When agents of the state commit human rights abuses, they are not punished for their actions in many countries. Sometimes killings of journalists are not regarded as a priority, and low-grade officers are assigned to the investigations. In other instances, vested interests ensure that investigations are slow and inefficient. Whatever the reason, there is a lack of commitment to prosecuting those responsible. A lack of accountability is a direct threat to the rule of law, which is the fundamental basis of a democratic society.
Truth is essential for democratic life.
We call on the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to demand prompt, adequate, and effective investigations into all murders of journalists and media workers. A central issue in creating the conditions for press freedom and unimpeded journalistic inquiry is the right to access to information for all citizens. This is, we believe, essential for democracy to flourish. Governments must ensure that public information is freely provided to journalists and citizens alike. However, in many countries, either no legislation exists to guarantee such access, or there is unwillingness on the part of the authorities to provide access to information.