Press release
UNESCO Director-General condemns killing of journalist Anas Alkharboutli in Syria
I condemn the killing of Anas Alkharboutli and call for a thorough investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. I reiterate my call to respect UN Security Council Resolution 2222/2015 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.
Anas Alkharboutli was an award-winning photojournalist and camera operator for the news agency Deutsche Presse-Agentur (Dpa). He was reportedly killed by a missile while covering recent armed clashes in the town of Morek in central Syria. He was reportedly with other journalists wearing vests and helmets marked “Press”.
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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