The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has condemned the killing of journalist Muawiya Abdel Razek in Khartoum, Sudan on 4 June.
She called for an investigation into the death of the scribe.
“I condemn the killing of Muawiya Abdel Razek. I call for a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” she said. “Journalists and media workers are essential channels of information during a conflict and their safety must be ensured by all parties.”
The deceased worked as an investigative journalist with local online and print newspapers Al-Jarifa, Akhir Lahza, and Al-Akhbar.
He was reportedly shot dead along with three of his family members.
“UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity,” the statement said.
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading
multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive, and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000
associated schools, university chairs, training, and research institutions.