Press release

UNESCO Director-General deplores the death of media worker Montaser Al-Sawaf in Palestine

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, has deplored the death of media worker Montaser Al-Sawaf in Palestine on 1 December 2023.
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I deplore the death of Montaser Al-Sawaf. The protection of journalists as civilians is a requirement under international law, including UN Security Council Resolution 2222/2015 on the protection of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel in situations of conflict. I call for a full and transparent investigation to determine the circumstances of this tragedy.

UNESCO Director-General
Audrey AzoulayUNESCO Director-General

Montaser Al-Sawaf was a cameraman for the Turkish news agency Anadolu. According to local reports, he was killed in an airstrike on the Gaza Strip while reporting on Friday 1 December.

UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the  on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

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Clare
O'Hagan
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