UNESCO calls for the protection of journalists
This is a dramatic toll. Never in a recent conflict has the profession had to pay such a heavy price in such a short space of time. I call on regional and international actors to take immediate action to ensure that international law is respected. Journalists should never, under any circumstances, be targeted. And it is the responsibility of all actors to ensure that they can continue to exercise their profession safely and independently
UNESCO supports women journalists impacted by the conflict in Gaza
On International Women’s Day, UNESCO pays tribute to the indispensable work carried out by female media workers to inform the global and local populations about the realities inside the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the war. In this video, freelance journalist Shorouq Shaheen describes the challenges facing media workers in this context.
Since the video was recorded in December 2023, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated and the temporary support tents for journalists have been relocated to Rafah. Women journalists in the Gaza Strip, face significant challenges related to sanitation and health care. In response to their needs, UNESCO, through its partner Filastiniyat provided humanitarian assistance and emergency supplies to 170 journalists, with a focus on women journalists.
According to a needs-assessment conducted by Filastiniyat, as of December 2023, over 82% of women journalists were displaced inside the Gaza Strip, with approximately 66% having to relocate multiple times. With the situation further deteriorating over the last weeks, these numbers are likely to be higher today.
