The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) warmly welcomed the unanimous adoption of a resolution, on journalist safety by the United Nations Security Council on 24 December.

The resolution, which was first tabled at UN Headquarters on 5 December 2006 by France and Greece and backed by Britain, Slovakia and Denmark, urges states to do their utmost to prevent crimes against journalists and to investigate all crimes committed against media professionals. Increasing numbers of journalists and media staff are being killed in pursuit of their profession and very few cases of murder are ever pursued.

"We are delighted that the UN has recognised the importance of journalists' safety," said Jean Réveillon, "The protection of journalists in conflict zones is crucial to ensuring freedom of expression and opinion. The media can give a voice and visibility to peoples suffering in conflict zones. The resolution will help ensure full and balanced reporting".

The EBU has campaigned for more than two years with INSI and the International Federation of Journalists for a Security Council resolution on journalist safety. It also runs a course, Hostile Environment and Safety Training, for its Members, which aims to help journalists operate securely in a conflict area.

Click here for the press release.