BRUSSELS, Oct 31 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU) called Monday on all states, media companies, media professionals and all concerned parties to join efforts to end impunity for crimes against journalists.
"We attach the highest priority to the safety of journalists, bloggers and other media actors. We consistently oppose any legislation, regulation or political pressure that limits freedom of expression," said European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans and EU High Representative Federica Mogherini in a statement ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on 2 November.
"The continued acts of intimidation, pressure and violence against journalists that take place across the world have to end. The recent adoption by the UN Human Rights Council of a resolution on the safety of journalists is a very positive step forward to ensure the safety of members of the media," said the EU statement.
Meanwhile, the Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists IFJ, said Monday that it has recorded 66 killings of journalists since the start of the year.
An IFJ statement said the UN Day commemoration on 2 November marks the start of a campaign by it and its affiliates to end impunity, with a special focus on four countries: India, Mexico, Pakistan and Yemen.
The IFJ's list of the countries with highest death toll in 2016 includes Afghanistan (11), Iraq (7), Syria (5), Yemen (5) and Pakistan (5). But, violence has also claimed lives of journalists who exposed crime and abuse of power in Mexico (8), India (5), Guatemala (5) and Brazil (3), it added. (end) nk.mt