The British and Canadian Ambassadors to Lebanon co-hosted a reception in Beirut to mark Lebanese Media Martyrs’ Day and World Press Freedom Day. They paid tribute to journalists who have lost their lives reporting on the devastating conflict, and to those who continue to report under challenging and dangerous conditions.
The event was attended by Minister of Information Dr Paul Morcos, former Minister of Information Ziad Makari, Lebanese and foreign journalists, Media Freedom Coalition Ambassadors, with Finland as co-chair this year, MPs and NGOs. The attendees marked the gathering with a moment of silence for all the journalists who died in the conflict.
Lebanese Media Martyrs’ Day, marked annually on 6 May, was first established to commemorate intellectuals executed during the First World War. Over time, it has come to honour journalists killed for their work, reflecting Lebanon’s long struggle for freedom of expression.
As Co-Chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition, the UK and Finland strongly condemn all violence directed against journalists and media workers and call on Israeli authorities and all other parties to ensure that journalists in Lebanon can carry out their work freely and safely. The Ambassadors also underscored that threats to media freedom extend beyond times of war, including intimidation, censorship and criminalisation.
British Ambassador Hamish Cowell said
Today is about remembrance but it is also about resolve. Journalists play an essential role in bearing witness, documenting reality and telling difficult truths, often at great personal risk. The UK strongly condemns all attacks on journalists and calls on all parties to protect media workers and uphold international law. A free and independent media is fundamental to democracy and accountability in Lebanon and around the world.
Canadian Ambassador Gregory Galligan said
Media freedom is a cornerstone of democratic societies and essential for protecting human rights. Journalists must be able to do their jobs without fear of violence or reprisal. Canada is proud to stand alongside the UK and international partners in supporting journalists in Lebanon and around the world, and in calling for accountability and an end to impunity.