Press release
UNESCO Director-General condemns killing of journalists Gülistan Tara and Hero Bahadin in Iraq
I condemn the killing of media professionals Gülistan Tara and Hero Bahadin and call for a thorough investigation. Journalists and media professionals must be protected as civilians in situations of conflict, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2222/2015.
Gülistan Tara was a reporter and Hero Bahadin was a video editor, both working for Chatr Multimedia Production Company, which operates Sterk TV and Aryen TV. They were on a reporting mission when a drone reportedly struck their vehicle. A third journalist was also reportedly injured.
UNESCO promotes the through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
The original version of this text was published on 29 August 2024. This text was updated on 7 October 2024, following new information received from UNESCO's accredited partners regarding the circumstances.
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With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, 91鶹Ʒ offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.
“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.
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