The UN Human Rights Council has affirmed for the first time the importance of journalist safety as a fundamental element of freedom of expression.

The 47-member body passed the resolution, which was sponsored by Austria. It calls on all states to «promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently» and to ensure «impartial, speedy, and effective investigations» into acts of violence against journalists.

The International Press Institute issued a statement saying it was pleased that the Human Rights Council «highlighted the impact of journalist safety on the right of citizens in all countries to be informed.»

http://www.rferl.org/content/un-rights-council-journalist-safety/24722164.html