Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
133. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he supports the campaign by more than 50 journalists calling on Israel and Egypt to provide free and unfettered access to Gaza for all foreign media; the steps he will take to achieve this important objective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11216/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe have seen throughout this conflict the vital role played by media, both domestic and international, in ensuring public scrutiny of actions taken by combatants. It is vital in my view that journalists are permitted sufficient access to allow for effective reporting.
Ireland is strongly committed to the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression. As well as constituting an important human right, freedom of expression is an essential component of a healthy democracy. Ensuring the safety of journalists is central to this right, and it is important that steps are taken to ensure that journalists are afforded adequate protections, including in conflict zones.
Journalists have an important role in bringing us the truth, but they can only do this is they are able to access the areas they need to report on. They are protected as civilians under international humanitarian law and they must never be targeted. It is utterly shocking that of the 99 journalists killed worldwide in 2023, 72 were Palestinians in Gaza killed after 7 October. Gaza seems to have become the most dangerous place in the world to be a journalist.
Internationally, Ireland is active in a wide variety of fora on this issue. In May 2022, Ireland was proactive in shining a light on the protection of journalists in response to the killing of the Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in Jenin in the West Bank. Ireland convened an informal Security Council meeting just a few days after she was killed, at which the Security Council was briefed by her employer AL Jazeera, and by the Committee to Project Journalists, among others. Ireland is also a member of the Media Freedom Coalition and the UN Group of Friends for the Projection of Journalists.
