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According to UNESCO data, close to 9 out of 10 cases of killings of journalists in the world remain judicially unresolved. The guidelines for prosecutors on investigating and prosecuting cases of crimes against journalists identify the key elements to consider in the decision-making process when an alleged crime is committed against a journalist and propose a series of elements to be taken into account to proceed with the investigation and prosecution of these cases.

The guidelines also aim to enhance the knowledge and capacities of prosecutors by providing insight on the conduct or supervision of investigations, and advisory assistance to law enforcement agencies; identifying stages and determination for proceedings in cases of crimes against journalists; and, preserving the protection of journalistic sources. The guidelines provide the specific conditions for the protection of victims, witnesses, immunities, and advantages for collaborating witnesses, while also examining the issue of mutual legal assistance (MLA), the use of electronic evidence and extradition requests in criminal matters. They also recognize the specificities of gender-based crimes and other forms of hate crimes on journalists, and analyzes the role of prosecutors in post-conflict jurisdictions and transitional justice issues.

This new collaboration will foster the work of UNESCO with judicial actors and expand specialized training on freedom of expression related issues to the realm of prosecutors. Since 2013, under UNESCO’s flagship , over 17,000 judicial actors and civil society representatives in Latin America, Africa and the Arab region, have been trained on international and regional standards on freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. Furthermore, the agreement enters in the framework of implementation of the , which aims to create a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers.

The were presented during UNESCO’s online session during the to mark the , that was held on 10 December 2020.

The launch of the guidelines marks the operationalization for the agreement signed between UNESCO and the IAP on 3 December 2020. The agreement notably supports cooperation to address the issue of impunity for crimes and attacks against journalists. As those responsible for initiating prosecutions and often supervising criminal investigations, public prosecutors have a crucial role to play in protecting journalists who are often threatened or attacked for their work particularly when they investigate on corruption issues and public wrongdoings.

The publication of these guidelines has been supported by , and by the Open Society Foundations.

The IAP, based in The Hague, is the only worldwide organization of prosecutors and is committed to setting and raising standards of professional conduct and ethics for prosecutors worldwide, promoting the rule of law and respect for human rights, and improving international cooperation between prosecutors' office.