Press release

Director-General condemns killing of journalist Essam Abdullah in northern Syria

Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, has reiterated countries’ obligation to protect journalists following the killing of reporter Essam Abdullah in an airstrike in northern Syria on 20 November.
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I condemn the killing of Essam Abdullah. Journalists have a duty to provide news and information of public interest, including covering risky environments. Their safety and protection must be guaranteed by the relevant authorities.

UNESCO Director-General
Audrey AzoulayUNESCO Director-General

Abdullah, a reporter for Hawar News Agency (ANHA), had been reporting in northern Syria since 2013. He was killed while interviewing residents after an initial airstrike a few hours before.

UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

See also: UNESCO observatory of killed journalists

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