New Delhi: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has released a new report detailing how attacks against journalists are exacerbated during elections across the world.
“Attacks against journalists related to elections were registered by UNESCO in the context of at least 89 elections in 70 countries around the world from January 2019 to June 2022. 759 journalists and media professionals were attacked, 42% (320) of whom were attacked by law enforcement agents, and 29% of attacked journalists (218) were women,” UNESCO has found.
Significantly, the UN body has highlighted the role of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in violence of this kind. “LEAs have detained dozens of journalists covering protests in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, North America, Europe, Latin America, North Africa and the Middle East. Some of these arrests were temporary and either no charges were filed, or they were dropped later by authorities. In some cases, journalists were arrested individually; in other cases, a number of journalists were arrested while covering protests,” the report notes.
Given this situation, UNESCO has released the following guidelines for law enforcement agencies across the world:
● Cultivate a good and professional relationship between LEAs and media outlets most likely to cover public demonstrations. Meet with journalists and talk about their different roles so there is more understanding within the community about what local LEAs are doing to keep them safe.
● Facilitate the work of journalists, providing as much access as is possible to a public assembly and to any related policing operation (e.g. identify press areas/a defined media perimeter that will give them a safe vantage point and discuss these in advance with journalists).
● Protect the media and ensure a safe working environment by taking appropriate preventive, effective and timely operational measures – including police protection from attacks by the hostile groups. Particular attention should be devoted to the specific threats and risks that women journalists face in the exercise of their work, and it is important to take a gender-sensitive approach when considering measures to address the safety of journalists, especially online.
● LEAs should not use any form of obstruction, force or pressure against journalists; media’s professional equipment should be respected at all times (confiscation and damaging of their equipment is unlawful).
● No authorisation can be required of journalists wanting to report on events of public interest, however, special accreditation can be required for specific reasons of space or security (e.g. press conference with high-level officials and authorities).
● Encourage accredited members of the press to be easily identifiable by displaying the word “PRESS” on their clothing and equipment in order to enable LEAs to better support them in their work.
● During elections it is vital for LEAs to liaise with Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) throughout ‘The Election Cycle’ and to remain neutral and demonstrate this neutrality through their communication, behaviour and the arrangements they put in place.
● Conduct regular training for LEAs during election periods and with journalists in covering public events. LEAs should attend regular refresher training sessions and briefings so they are up-to-date with any legislation affecting journalists’ rights and any particular issues that might threaten their safety.