Qatar calls for enhancing mechanisms for protecting journalists

New York: The State of Qatar has called for strengthening mechanisms to protect journalists in conflict zones, including providing physical protection...

New York: The State of Qatar has called for strengthening mechanisms to protect journalists in conflict zones, including providing physical protection, legal support, safety tools, and enhancing cooperation among states and international bodies to ensure an effective global response against attacks on journalists.

This came in a statement delivered by Second Secretary of Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani before the fourth committee of the UN General Assembly in its 79th session under item 53 on Questions Relating to Information, at the UN Headquarters in New York.

He affirmed that the protection and safety of journalists is a priority for Qatar, which has undertaken several concrete efforts both internationally and domestically. He noted Qatar’s hosting of the International Conference on the Protection of Journalists in 2012, the launch of the International Conference on the Protection of Journalists, and the Doha Declaration on the Protection of Journalists in 2016.

The State of Qatar also expressed pride in contributing $7.5m to support the UN’s project to digitise historical documents and records during its two previous phases, facilitating the analysis of documents dating back to 1945. Qatar will continue to support this vital project in the future.

He highlighted the critical importance of accurate and reliable information for states, organizations, and individuals. He added that the Department of Global Communications and the UNs network of information centres play a key role in awareness, education, and engagement with partners across various sectors, supporting the UNs efforts and enhancing its credibility and reputation.