Press release
The United Nations concerned about the disproportionate use of force against journalists
Port-au-Prince, 14/02/2021: The United Nations system in Haiti is concerned about the increase in cases of attacks against journalists covering demonstrations. Covering live events is at the heart of journalistic work, which is essential to ensure press freedom and the right to information.
In light of the documented allegations, the United Nations is worried that law enforcement officials have committed acts against certain media actors acting in the scope of their professional functions. These acts have the upshot of limiting the right to freedom of expression and access to information.
The United Nations urges the security forces to review their practices and promptly address violence against journalists and other media stakeholders, to such an extent that any abuses and proven violations are subject to sanctions following duly conducted investigation. In this regard, the United Nations recalls the recommendations to the Haitian authorities on crowd management to ensure respect for the right of peaceful assembly and security of the person made in the recent joint report of BINUH and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on human rights violations and abuses committed during the 2018 and 2019 demonstrations (https://binuh.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/2021.01.15_rapport_mani...), which were welcomed by the Haitian authorities.
The United Nations condemns all attacks against journalists and call on the authorities and political practitioners to respect the freedom of the press and the right to information. A free and independent press, free from censorship and coercion, is essential for the development of peace, respect for justice and the promotion of human rights.
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Contact person:
Beatrice Nibogora, In Charge of Strategic Communication and Public Information Officer, Spokesperson, United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti-BINUH,
email:nibogorab@un.org
In light of the documented allegations, the United Nations is worried that law enforcement officials have committed acts against certain media actors acting in the scope of their professional functions. These acts have the upshot of limiting the right to freedom of expression and access to information.
The United Nations urges the security forces to review their practices and promptly address violence against journalists and other media stakeholders, to such an extent that any abuses and proven violations are subject to sanctions following duly conducted investigation. In this regard, the United Nations recalls the recommendations to the Haitian authorities on crowd management to ensure respect for the right of peaceful assembly and security of the person made in the recent joint report of BINUH and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on human rights violations and abuses committed during the 2018 and 2019 demonstrations (https://binuh.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/2021.01.15_rapport_mani...), which were welcomed by the Haitian authorities.
The United Nations condemns all attacks against journalists and call on the authorities and political practitioners to respect the freedom of the press and the right to information. A free and independent press, free from censorship and coercion, is essential for the development of peace, respect for justice and the promotion of human rights.
- END -
Contact person:
Beatrice Nibogora, In Charge of Strategic Communication and Public Information Officer, Spokesperson, United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti-BINUH,
email:nibogorab@un.org
