UN:PEOPLE WHO commit crimes against journalists must be brought to justice, the UN secretary general has said.
Ban Ki-moon was speaking at the unveiling of a memorial in central London to reporters killed while on assignment.
He told an audience of politicians, journalists and former hostages: "These fallen heroes are lost but they will never be forgotten. This memorial stands in testament to their enduring legacy. In tribute to their memory, we must end the culture of impunity surrounding crimes against reporters. We must bring the perpetrators to justice."
Eighteen months ago the UN Security Council passed resolution 1738, which demanded action by member states to end violent attacks on the news media and end impunity for those who kill journalists.
Mr Ban said last night: "The council demanded that countries abide by their obligation under international law to protect journalists."
The artwork, called Breathing, projects a beam of light up to one kilometre into the night sky from the top of the new wing of the BBC Broadcasting House in Portland Place.
Made of glass and steel, the 10-metre light construction was created by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa and selected as a result of an international competition for the BBC's public art scheme.
Every night, a light beam will illuminate the sculpture and the sky above for 30 minutes, in tandem with the BBC's 10pm news bulletin.
"Many die not in wars that make international headlines, but in small villages where they are investigating crime or corruption," Mr Ban said .
"They don't have a famous byline, but local people depend on them, sometimes for their very survival." - (PA)