EDM: New United Nations Convention on the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals

New United Nations Convention on the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals

Tabled by Rebecca Long Bailey (Labour) 26 signatures

The motion

That this House is gravely concerned at the apparent impunity enjoyed by state forces and paramilitary operatives across the globe engaging in the targeted killing of journalists and media workers, with one-hundred-and-twenty-eight killings globally recorded by the International Federation of Journalists in 2025 alone; recognises the significant harm to press freedom where perpetrators are not held to account; highlights the unprecedented targeting and killing of journalists during the war on Gaza by Israeli forces, with at least 235 Palestinian journalists and media workers killed there since 7 October 2023, with killings continuing despite the October 2025 ceasefire announcement; expresses its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victims, whose dedication to reporting the truth ultimately cost them their lives; calls on all states to uphold international law and desist from attacks on journalists; and requests the UK Government to support the draft United Nations Convention on the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals, a new binding international instrument dedicated to the safety of journalists proposed by the International Federation of Journalists and endorsed by the National Union of Journalists and to work through the Media Freedom Coalition and bilateral structures to advance the case for such a Convention that would require states to protect journalists in all circumstances, investigate every crime, and prosecute the perpetrators.

Signatories (26)