With fears Russian forces may have a “target list” of journalists, WAN-Ifra has urged that journalists covering the unfolding conflict be afforded “the maximum protections”.

Through its World Editors Forum, the group pointed to the binding commitments Russia and Ukraine have as signatories to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights under international human rights law to respect the right to freedom of expression. Journalists are civilians and as such should be treated as non-combatants.

“At this extremely dangerous moment, we call on all parties to this escalating conflict to do everything in their power to prioritise the safety of journalists and respect the role of the press,” WAN-Ifra chief executive Vincent Peyrègne said.

“Too often during recent conflicts, we have seen the deliberate targeting of journalists and severe disruption to the free-flow of information.

“In this volatile moment, journalists must be afforded every protection to carry out their essential role. We remind both Russian and Ukrainian authorities of the illegality of attacks on journalists and news media, as well as their obligations to take the maximum precautions when preparing military action that might affect them.”

They also warned against “deliberate attempts” to spread disinformation and called for news media reporting on the conflict to be extra vigilant and to fall back on the highest professional standards as they navigate coverage. Cyber-attacks against news outlets, as well as individual journalists, are “also increasingly likely”.

Peyrègne said they had already seen deliberate circulation of false or misleading statements, widespread disinformation, and the use of doctored footage in an attempt to justify military intervention and inflame tensions.

“We remind all parties to this conflict of the need to keep channels of information open and reliable so that the public may remain informed. This is simply a matter of protecting lives.”

Journalists and news organisations reporting on the conflict were urged to take charge of their own safety and to protect themselves as best they could. Online resources and practical guidance is available to ensure they are doing everything possible to protect the safety and security of staff, freelancers, their sources and company assets:

https://www.acosalliance.org/resources

https://cpj.org/campaigns/protecting-journalists-covering-conflict/

“The conflict will have a profound impact on our Ukrainian members, their staff and families who run local, regional and national news organisations,” said Peyrègne. “Our solidarity is with them.”