by Ashraf Oluwatobiloba, Kaduna.
ABUJA – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has strongly condemned the killing of journalists Alexander Fedorchak, Andrei Panov, and media worker Alexander Sirkeli in Luhansk, Eastern Ukraine.
In a statement, UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the attack while urging adherence to international humanitarian law.
Reports indicate that Fedorchak, a correspondent for the Russian state newspaper Izvestia, and Panov, a cameraman for Zvezda, the official television channel of the Russian Armed Forces, were killed on March 24 when their vehicle was struck by a rocket. Their driver, Sirkeli, also lost his life in the attack.
“I condemn the killing of Alexander Fedorchak, Andrei Panov, and Alexander Sirkeli and call for a thorough and transparent investigation. I reiterate my call for the observance of international humanitarian law, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 2222 on the protection of journalists in conflict zones,” Azoulay stated.
UNESCO reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring journalist safety through global awareness campaigns, capacity-building initiatives, and the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
The incident adds to growing concerns about the dangers faced by journalists covering conflicts worldwide.
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