They can help to prevent the worst atrocities. But when belligerents see freedom of expression as an enemy to their cause and the media as a tool for propaganda, journalists who attempt to report in a non-partisan way face pressure, manipulation, intimidation or even elimination. And when they are forced to leave, the cycle of violence does not end. In the aftermath of war, the establishment of a free and independent press offers a way out of mistrust and fear, into an environment where true dialogue is possible because people can think for themselves and base their opinions on facts. Particular attention should be given to ensuring that women's voices are heard.
Women are often the first ones affected by armed conflict.
It is, therefore, right and indeed necessary that women have full access to information and that they be there to cover the issues, with equal strength and in equal numbers. Governments are urged to do all they can to overcome any formal and cultural obstacles to the exercise by women of their right to freedom of expression. The international media, too, have an important role to play, in providing non-partisan coverage of conflicts and in calling the world's attention to humanitarian crises, human rights abuses and other situations where oblivion would be the worst of fates for suffering human beings. The international community must keep on seeking to remedy severe violations of press freedom. On behalf of our organizations, and in the interest of knowledge, justice and peace, we promise to explore every approach that offers hope of enabling the media to carry out their invaluable and often dangerous work.