Violence Against Journalists Can be Prevented: Kees van Baar

Jakarta, InfoPublik - Dutch Human Rights Ambassador Kees van Baar said violence against journalists can be prevented by cooperation among stakeholders.

"Human rights institutions including the United Nations must be able to take the initiative in order to stop violent acts against journalists," Kees told a discussion held under the theme ‘Journalists Safety and Tracking Impunity’ at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Wednesday (5/3) .

The discussion is part of series of the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2017 event which takes place in Jakarta. Attending the discussion were local and international journalists and media practitioners.

According to Kees, supports from human rights monitoring institutions will send a positive message which eventually can help journalists exercising their profession properly.

"Up to this moment, violence acts against journalist still occur despite the existence of human rights institutions," he said.

He stated that a clear and definite mechanism is needed to ensure that any violent action against journalists can be resolved.

"The public support to journalist is also important to reduce violence and attack against journalists," said Kees. (Reporter: Eko Budiono, Translator: Siti Chodijah)