UN Secretary-General honours slain journalists at new BBC memorial in London
17-06-2008 (New York)
Memorial to media professionals
killed in the line of work.
© BBC
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paid tribute yesterday to the work of journalists in upholding the freedom of the press at the unveiling of a memorial in London to media professionals killed in the line of work.
A glass and steel sculpture entitled "Breathing," which will project a beam of light up to one kilometre into the sky for 30 minutes each evening, has been officially dedicated on top of the new wing of the BBC Broadcasting House in the British capital.
Attending the unveiling, Mr Ban said it serves as "a solemn reminder of those who have lost their lives giving voice to the voiceless.
It is the light that shines when journalists report stories which powerful interests are trying to cover up. It is a beacon of hope for millions of people who thirst for the truth. And it is the light of justice that courageous journalists fight for – and that we must obtain in cases where they have been killed."
The UN chief called for renewed international efforts to "end the culture of impunity surrounding crimes against reporters" and to bring the perpetrators of such crimes to justice.
Attending the unveiling, Mr Ban said it serves as "a solemn reminder of those who have lost their lives giving voice to the voiceless.
It is the light that shines when journalists report stories which powerful interests are trying to cover up. It is a beacon of hope for millions of people who thirst for the truth. And it is the light of justice that courageous journalists fight for – and that we must obtain in cases where they have been killed."
The UN chief called for renewed international efforts to "end the culture of impunity surrounding crimes against reporters" and to bring the perpetrators of such crimes to justice.
Related themes/countries
· United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
· Press Freedom: News Archives 2008
· UNESCO Remembers Assassinated Journalists: News Archives 2008
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