Security Council Press Statement on Journalists Killed in Mali

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Liu Jieyi (China):

The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the kidnapping and assassination of two French journalists in Kidal, Mali on 2 November.

The members of the Security Council expressed their condolences to the family of the victims, as well as to the Government of France.

The members of the Security Council recalled that, in accordance with international humanitarian law, journalists, media professionals and associated personnel engaged in dangerous professional missions in areas of armed conflict are generally considered as civilians and shall be respected and protected as such.  The members of the Security Council recalled their demand that all parties to an armed conflict comply fully with the obligations applicable to them under international humanitarian law, including as related to the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

The members of the Security Council stressed that those responsible for these assassinations shall be held accountable.

They called on the Government of Mali to swiftly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and French forces who support it and called on all parties to cooperate fully with the Mission.

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For information media • not an official record