Chinese envoy calls for ending deliberate attacks against journalists in armed conflict

China calls upon parties to armed conflict to put a true end to deliberate attacks and other atrocities against journalists and media workers, said a Chinese envoy here on Wednesday.

Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the appeal at a Security Council open debate on protection of journalists in armed conflict.

Noting that protecting journalists in armed conflict is an important part of protection of civilians, Wang said journalists, not involved in hostilities in conflict, should be protected under the international humanitarian law, just like other civilians.

"Parties to conflict should seriously shoulder an important responsibility for protecting journalists in armed conflict," he said. "They should, in line with their duties and obligations under the Geneva Convention and other international laws, effectively fulfill their responsibilities for protecting journalists, prevent and stop atrocities from happening."

Wang also mentioned that the UN should strengthen its cooperation with regional and sub-regional organizations, taking advantage of the unique strength of them so as to form international synergies in protecting journalists in armed conflict.

"China is ready to work with the international community to push forward the comprehensive implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions and presidential statements and contribute to realizing the goal of protecting journalists and media professionals in armed conflict," he said.

At the open debate, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution, condemning abuses committed against journalists in armed conflict and calling upon all parties to armed conflict to bring an end to such practices. Endite