UN pushes for journalists' safety

Nearly 50 countries are co-sponsoring a UN resolution that condemns attacks against journalists and the failure to punish those responsible for killing, torturing, kidnapping and arbitrarily arresting media workers.

The draft General Assembly resolution circulated on Friday urges the 193 UN member states "to do their utmost to prevent violence, threats and attacks" against the media. It calls for speedy and independent investigations of alleged attacks and prosecution of alleged perpetrators and those who aid them or cover up their crimes.

The draft also urges the immediate release of members of the media who have been taken hostage and are victims of "enforced disappearances".