ORGANIZATION OF ASIA-PACIFIC NEWS AGENCIES (OANA)

CALLS FOR THE SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS

As members of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA), we unite our voices to issue an urgent call for the protection of journalists working in trouble spots and covering military conflicts. The role of professional media is to provide accurate, timely, and verified information. Journalists on the frontlinesperform a public service, countering disinformation, and upholding the fundamental human right to know. The protection of journalists' rights mustremain one of the priorities of government institutions in all countries.

We are deeply alarmed by the escalating number of journalists killed and injured, while performing their professional duties in conflict zones. Targeted attacks on journalists constitute not only a tragedy for the individuals and their families but also an assault on our core value – freedom of speech. Protecting journalists is the responsibility not only of professional media, but of the entire global community.

In reaffirming our commitment to truth, we, the members of OANA, stand in solidarity with all journalists risking their lives to report from the world’s most dangerous places. We will continue our mission of delivering factual news, to support the safety training of our colleagues, and to champion the principles of objectivity without which the world cannot be truly just and safe.