Paris, 13 January—The Director-General of UNESCO has deplored the death of Adeeb al-Janani, a journalist who was among the many civilians killed in the attack on the airport of Aden, Yemen, on 30 December 2020.
I condemn the attack that claimed the life of Adeeb al-Janani alongside many other civilians. I urge all parties to the conflict in Yemen to protect the lives of civilians, including journalists whose indispensable part in keeping the public informed is particularly vital in times of strife.
Al-Janani was a reporter for the privately-owned Yemeni broadcaster Belqees TV. He died while reporting live on the arrival of the plane from Saudi Arabia carrying members of Yemen’s newly formed government. At least nine other journalists are reported to have been injured in the attack.
UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and a range of actions, notably in the framework of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. See also: UNESCO observatory of killed journalists
Media contact: Guilherme Canela de Souza Godoi