Press release
UNESCO Director-General condemns killing of journalists Nazim Daştan and Cîhan Bilgin in Syria
I condemn the killing of Nazim Daştan and Cîhan Bilgin and call for a thorough and transparent investigation. Journalists play a crucial role in informing the world and ensuring the local population’s right to information. All parties must respect UN Security Council Resolution 2222 unanimously adopted in 2015 on the protection of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel as civilians in situations of conflict, a status recently reaffirmed in the Pact for the Future.
Cîhan Bilgin worked as a correspondent for the Kurdish media Hawar News Agency (ANHA). Nazim Daştan also worked as a freelance journalist for ANHA, as well as for Firat News Agency and Ronahi TV.
They were reporting on recent military clashes when a drone strike reportedly hit their car, killing both and injuring their driver.
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.
About UNESCO
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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