Human (In) Security
It takes more than one strategy to address the multiple concerns for security. But when security is typically met by policy that is built on the same justifications for violence and discrimination, it merely breeds more insecurity.
The desire that human security encompasses social inclusion, economic redistribution and the political parity of participation of all, is not the debate. Rather, the arguments lie in how we can arrive at these ends. Therefore, we must ask ourselves who, what and where are the REAL threats?
Civil Society Welcomes UN Resolution 1738
As data shows that 2006 was the deadliest year for the press, civil society organizations advocating for the rights and protection of people in the media welcomed the United Nation's (UN) move to adopt the landmark Resolution 1738, condemning the attacks against journalists and other media professionals in conflict situations. The document called on all warring parties to prevent abuses against journalists and respect their professional independence and rights. According to Paris-based media assistants were killed across 21 countries in 2006 alone. These only counted deaths directly linked to their work and excluded dozens more cases whose motives for the murders were still unknown.
Most dangerous countries
Iraq remained the world's most dangerous country for the press, with 64 journalists
and media assistants (drivers, translators, security staff, fixers, technicians) killed last year. Since 2003 when the fighting began, 139 members of the press have been killed in Iraq, more than twice the number of journalists deaths during the 20-year Vietnam War.
The Philippines is the second most dangerous country with six murders and a number of attempts recorded in the year 2006, mostly against journalists investigating corruption aqnd giving outspoken criticism against government authorities. Some officials exposed by the media filed charges against journalists, closed down radio stations, and even have some of them detained with prison sentences for defamation.
"Devastating numbers of journalists are being killed in the Philippines and the something urgently needs to be done to stop these killings," International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) President Christoper Warren said. "It is disgraceful that after so many senseless murders... the government of the Philippines is still not making a stand to put an end to these targeted killings. The impunity for those that attack, maim, and murder journalists must come to an end," Warren added.
A few of the killers have certainly been brought to justice; the policeman who shot dead a radio commentator criticizing him on air had been arrested, and another police officer, Guillermo Wapile, had been sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2002 murder of a journalist. However, most of the murders are still unsolved, and even with the triggermen jailed, the [people giving orders still walk free.
The situation is no less grim in Sri Lanka where journalists continue to suffer at the hands of authorities. Media personnel are assaulted by the police, taken into custody without charges, and had their cameras and other equipment destroyed. "It is a deeply concerning sign of a new low in Sri Lanka, where members of the police force and military are using their powers to control and dominate journalists, instead of fulfilling their duty to uphold and protect a free and independent media, Warren said.
"The IFJ calls on the government of Sri Lanka to take take swift action to send a message to all parties that the rights and safety of journalist must be respected at all times," he added.
Civil Society Welcomes UN Resolution 1738
As data shows that 2006 was the deadliest year for the press, civil society organizations advocating for the rights and protection of people in the media welcomed the United Nation's (UN) move to adopt the landmark Resolution 1738, condemning the attacks against journalists and other media professionals in conflict situations. The document called on all warring parties to prevent abuses against journalists and respect their professional independence and rights. According to Paris-based media assistants were killed across 21 countries in 2006 alone. These only counted deaths directly linked to their work and excluded dozens more cases whose motives for the murders were still unknown.
Most dangerous countries
Iraq remained the world's most dangerous country for the press, with 64 journalists
and media assistants (drivers, translators, security staff, fixers, technicians) killed last year. Since 2003 when the fighting began, 139 members of the press have been killed in Iraq, more than twice the number of journalists deaths during the 20-year Vietnam War.
The Philippines is the second most dangerous country with six murders and a number of attempts recorded in the year 2006, mostly against journalists investigating corruption aqnd giving outspoken criticism against government authorities. Some officials exposed by the media filed charges against journalists, closed down radio stations, and even have some of them detained with prison sentences for defamation.
"Devastating numbers of journalists are being killed in the Philippines and the something urgently needs to be done to stop these killings," International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) President Christoper Warren said. "It is disgraceful that after so many senseless murders... the government of the Philippines is still not making a stand to put an end to these targeted killings. The impunity for those that attack, maim, and murder journalists must come to an end," Warren added.
A few of the killers have certainly been brought to justice; the policeman who shot dead a radio commentator criticizing him on air had been arrested, and another police officer, Guillermo Wapile, had been sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2002 murder of a journalist. However, most of the murders are still unsolved, and even with the triggermen jailed, the [people giving orders still walk free.
The situation is no less grim in Sri Lanka where journalists continue to suffer at the hands of authorities. Media personnel are assaulted by the police, taken into custody without charges, and had their cameras and other equipment destroyed. "It is a deeply concerning sign of a new low in Sri Lanka, where members of the police force and military are using their powers to control and dominate journalists, instead of fulfilling their duty to uphold and protect a free and independent media, Warren said.
"The IFJ calls on the government of Sri Lanka to take take swift action to send a message to all parties that the rights and safety of journalist must be respected at all times," he added.
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