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.
30 November 2022
Last update:20 April 2023
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.
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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