Security Council expresses condolences for journalists killed in Ukraine

The United Nations Security Council today voiced its deepest condolences to the families of all journalists who have been killed while covering the crisis in Ukraine, and encouraged a thorough investigation of all such incidents.

Among the casualties are two Russian journalists killed on 17 June, and an Italian photojournalist who was killed on 24 May along with his Russian interpreter.

“The members of the Security Council encourage a thorough investigation of all incidents of violence involving journalists,” Ambassador Vitaly Churkin of Russia, which holds the Council’s presidency for June, said in a statement to the press.

“The members of the Security Council expressed concern about reported cases of detention and harassment of journalists covering the crisis in Ukraine,” he added.

Council members also voiced support for the freedom of expression as a human right, including for members of the media.

Ukraine has witnessed ongoing violence, especially in the eastern part of the country, characterized by growing loss of life and a deteriorating humanitarian situation, according to UN officials, who have continued to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a resolution of the crisis.