UN adopts resolution on protection of journalists in conflict zones

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted a resolution on the protection of journalists in conflict zones. The resolution has urged member nations, governments and armed groups to take appropriate steps in order to ensure accountability for crimes committed against journalists, media professionals in situations of armed conflict. It also condemns attacks on journalists and affirms the work of a free, independent and impartial media as it constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society. The resolution also called for the immediate and unconditional release of reporters who are held as hostages in conflict zones. UNSC resolution comes after the number of deaths and kidnappings cases of media professionals continues to increase. In 2014, 66 journalists were killed and since January 2015, 25 more have died. In the last decade, 700 media workers were killed in the conflict zones.