Joint Statement by Embassies of the UK,USA,Germany,France,the EU Del on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

Today, on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, we express our respect and support to all media workers. Journalism is a form of freedom of expression, which is a fundamental right.

Journalists inform the public and provide access to a wide range of views. Only an independent and diverse media can help provide citizens with the information they need to hold their governments accountable. A free media is essential to a functioning society, ensuring transparency and democratic development.

Therefore, it is essential for governments around the world to promote and create a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently without undue pressure.

Independent journalism supports the Kyrgyz Republic’s ambitions to develop and strengthen its democracy and economy. Freedom of the media, and its right to freedom of expression, is protected under the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic. We call upon the Kyrgyz Government to protect and nurture this basic human right.

In 2013, The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2 November as the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists” in General Assembly Resolution A/RES/68/163. The Resolution condemns all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers. It also urges Member States to do their utmost to prevent violence against journalists and media workers, to ensure accountability, bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against journalists and media workers, and ensure that victims have access to appropriate remedies. It further calls upon States to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists.