The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has condemned the killing of three journalists in Syria whose death has only recently come to light. The three journalists are Kamel abu al-Walid, Ibrahim al-Munjar and Ahmed Azize.
“I condemn the killing of Kamel abu al-Walid, Ibrahim al-Munjar and Ahmed Azize,” said the Director-General. “It is the internationally recognized duty of all fighting forces in conflict to recognize the civilian status of journalists and protect them. Once again, I call for this legal obligation to be respected at all times, without exception.”
Kamel abu al-Walid died on 19 March from injuries sustained in a landmine explosion in Afrin, northern Syria. He was covering military operations for the Jarabulus Media Office.
Unknown attackers shot Ibrahim al-Munjar, a correspondent for the news website Sy24, on 17 May in Saida, in the province of Daraa in southern Syria.
Ahmed Azize, a cameraman and photographer for Aleppo News Network was struck dead in a missile attack in Aleppo Province on 10 August.
UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and a range of actions, notably the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
See also: UNESCO condemns the killing of journalists.