Political will is the most important factor in making real, long-lasting and accountable change in the way journalists are protected and their safety is addressed worldwide.

Recognising that media themselves have an active role in ensuring all they can do to protect the profession, the majority of these measures hinge on having a committed state apparatus, judicial system and rule of law to back them up. So far, compliance with the various legal frameworks put in place to better protect journalists has been severely lacking.

Journalists and media professionals are still being attacked and killed, with virtual impunity, in record numbers. This must stop. By supporting the recommendation for a special representative, governments around the world really would set the foundations in place to make this happen.

More information will follow over the coming months regarding how to lobby for and support the call. We urge you to engage with this issue and help to better protect our profession – and the women and men who are its lifeblood – in every way you can.