The context is stark. Gaza has become the deadliest conflict for media workers in decades; well over two hundred journalists have been killed since 7 October 2023. The Security Council resolution 2222 (2015) is unequivocal: attacks on journalists are unacceptable, and all parties to conflict must comply fully with their obligations to protect civilians, including media professionals. Also we should not forget that journalists are also civilians and they must be protected according to international humanitarian law.
From Greece’s perspective, three pillars should guide our action now: first, protection of journalists and media workers; second, access to timely and accurate information for civilians and for local and foreign media; and third evacuation options for those who wish or need to leave. Greece’s commitment is long-standing and practical. In the General Assembly’s Third Committee, Greece leads the biennial resolution on “The Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity,” traditionally adopted by consensus and co-sponsored across regions; and we co-chair, with France and Lithuania, the Group of Friends on the Protection of Journalists. During our May 2025 Security Council presidency, we also underscored journalists’ safety within the Protection of Civilians agenda. We bring the same bridge-building, solutions-oriented approach to today’s discussion.
Translating principles into protection requires steps that are workable on the ground. Without being prescriptive, we see value in strengthening deconfliction arrangements for accredited media—potentially through a standing liaison function with predictable notification channels—and, where feasible, defining safe-passage windows that reduce risk for clearly identified press. We also encourage more regularized access for international media, with transparent criteria and timelines, while safeguarding the work and safety of local journalists who face the greatest danger. For those at acute risk, it may be useful to explore additional visa facilitation and medical or trauma evacuation pathways, coordinated with relevant UN entities and regional partners, including temporary relocation options when appropriate.
Finally, I think we should start considering some more drastic methods. For example, the recognition of evacuation as a right of journalists, as a fundamental human right. And the possible upgrade of the criminal treatment of the active prohibition of voluntary evacuation of journalists in a state of war or intentional failure to provide safe passages, or failure to set up independent investigation mechanisms for the cases of disappearance.
Accountability must accompany protection. We support efforts to preserve digital and material evidence and to enable independent, impartial reviews of alleged attacks, in full conformity with international law. Given the digital dimension of this conflict, we also favor measures that deter unlawful or arbitrary surveillance, spyware misuse, hacking and doxxing, and we would welcome expanded access to digital-security training and secure tools—paying particular attention to the needs of women journalists and freelancers who often operate with fewer institutional safeguards. We should consider an elevated standard of protection for those journalists. In practical terms, there may also be scope to reinforce national and NGO-managed safety supports—hotlines, protective equipment, insurance access and psychosocial services—while maintaining structured dialogue channels with parties to the conflict.
Greece will continue to champion consensus at the UN—because unity amplifies protection on the ground—and to work with all partners to keep our focus on measures that save lives and defend the public’s right to know. We call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, on Member States to facilitate access and evacuation where needed, and on the international community to support the practical arrangements outlined today.
Silencing journalists silences societies. Let us ensure that those who risk everything to document reality can do their work safely—and that their stories, and the people they serve, are not left in the dark.
I thank you.
September 24, 2025