EU statements on the Middle East and on Crimes against Journalists

EU statements on the Middle East and on Crimes against Journalists

In October 2024, the European Union delivered two statements at the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers meetings. The first statement was on the Middle East, and the second one was to mark the upcoming International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

On 9 October 2024, the European Union delivered a statementat the Council of Europe 1509th meeting of Ministers' Deputies on the Middle East condemning all terrorist attacks, deploring all loss of civilian life and hostilities against civilians and attacks against civilian objects and infrastructure. In its statement, the EU expressed its concern by the latest developments and widening hostilities and urged all parties to show maximum restraint in the interest of de-escalation and the protection of civilian lives. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution and called on all parties to fully comply with their obligations under international law. The statement also stressed the protection of journalists and media workers during the conflict.

On 23 October 2024, ahead of the 10th International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on 2 November, the European Union delivered a statement at the Council of Europe 1510th meeting of Ministers' Deputies. The statement highlighted the alarming rise in harassment and threats faced by journalists in regions such as Ukraine and the Middle East, exarcerbated by online dangers like gender-based hate speech and deepfake technology. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to media freedom and accountability, urging governments to strengthen legal protections and prosecute attackers.