UN HRC adopts resolution on journalists' safety

A resolution calling to ensure the safety of journalists and media workers has been adopted by the Human Rights Council (HRC) of the United Nations (UN). The human rights organization "Article 19", which gave advice on the resolution, has again urged Russia to resume the investigation into the murder of the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent Akhmednabi Akhmednabiyev.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the 27th session of the UN HRC was held in Geneva on September 9-26; and a draft of the above resolution was submitted thereto. The session was attended by rights defenders, in particular, from the "Article 19", who emphasizes that Russia had failed to duly investigate the killings of journalists Akhmednabi Akhmednabiyev, Timur Kuashev, Khadjimurad Kamalov, Natalia Estemirova and Anna Politkovskaya.

On September 25, the HRC adopted the resolution, which was supported by more than 90 countries participating in the session.

"This resolution sends a critical and unequivocal message to States that there is no excuse for allowing attacks and murders of journalists and media workers to go unpunished," said Thomas Hughes, the Executive Director of the "Article 19". "We also remind the Russian Federation of the prevailing situation of impunity for attacks on journalists and media workers in Russia and the need for the government to lead by example to ensure accountability for such crimes".