Press release
Director-General calls for investigation into killing of journalist Romelson Vilcin in Haiti
I condemn the killing of Romelson Vilcin. Journalists must be free to attend and report on events of public interest without fearing for their safety. I call on the authorities to investigate the circumstances of Mr Vilcin’s death and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Vilcin, a journalist for Génération 80 radio, died from injuries sustained when he was hit by a tear gas canister while protesting the detention of a colleague.
In 2020, UNESCO issued a Brief on journalists covering protests, sounding the alarm on the rising number of journalist killed while covering protests, and calling for their protection.
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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