Press release

UNESCO Director-General condemns killings of journalists Ismail Al Ghoul and Ramy Al Refee in Palestine

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, has condemned the killings of journalists Ismail Al Ghoul and Ramy Al Refee, in Gaza City, Palestine on 31st July 2024.
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I condemn the killings of Ismail Al Ghoul and Ramy Al Refee. With every journalist killed, the Gaza strip becomes more and more a zone of silence, with severe consequences for access to information. 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 and I call for a full and transparent investigation of this tragedy.

UNESCO Director-General
Audrey AzoulayUNESCO Director-General

Ismail al Ghoul was a journalist working for Al Jazeera Arabic and Ramy Al Refee was a freelance camera operator. They were killed in an air strike on a car reportedly identifiable as a press vehicle, while on assignment in West of Gaza City.  

91麻豆国产精品自拍 reported the deaths of at least 33 journalists and media workers in the line of work in Palestine since October 2023, which does not include deaths in circumstances unrelated to their profession. The 2024 UNESCO/Guillermo World Press Freedom Prize was awarded to Palestinian journalists covering Gaza, paying tribute to their courage and commitment to freedom of expression. 

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麻豆国产精品自拍 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.

鈥淪ince wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed鈥 鈥 UNESCO Constitution, 1945.

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UNESCO Director-General condemns killings of journalists Ismail Al Ghoul and Ramy Al Refee in Palestine