Conflict areas, and the African Media Initiative (1) . The declaration aims to strengthen the commitment of signatory states and media institutions to ensure the rights and safety of journalists. It builds on the principles of the international human rights law and the international humanitari- an law standards with regard to freedom of the press and its role in pro- moting and developing human rights. The following points summarize the most important items of the declaration: - States shall fulfil their obligations to support human rights and freedoms, and the right of journalists to enjoy those rights. - All journalists, media professionals, and associated personnel have the right to life. - States shall take responsibility to protect journalists from viola- tions, provide aid to them, and bring the perpetrators of crimes against journalists to justice. - Journalists have the right to access information on attacks against them, enabling them to hold authorities accountable if they fail to bring criminal perpetrators to justice. - States shall fulfil their obligations to guarantee the freedom of ex- pression and the freedom of media and to promote a safe environment for journalists and not to subject them to illegal restrictions. - Journalists may not be prevented from conducting interviews and filming. - Media institutions should undertake to provide financial support to any colleague who is killed or imprisoned and to educate journalists about their rights. - Media institutions shall ensure not to force Journalists against their will to cover dangerous assignments. - Women journalists are confronted with gender-specific safety concerns, which require dedicated attention and appropriate measures.
(1) “ Doha Declaration on the Protection of Journalists ”, March 24, 2016: https://bit. ly/35PIpnz/ (accessed 22 November 2020).
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