Labour Research (June 2019)

Health & Safety Matters

Tributes paid to Lyra Mckee

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) dedicated its World Press Freedom Day event in London last month to murdered journalist, author and activist Lyra McKee. McKee was shot dead by the New IRA while observing disturbances in Derry on 18 April. 


Trade unionists also paid tribute to the young NUJ member at a wreath-laying ceremony in the grounds of Stormont to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) in April and held a minute’s silence across the UK and Ireland. Members of the NUJ in Ireland formed a guard of honour at her funeral. 


The union said it would ensure “Lyra’s vision of journalism will not be silenced”. 


Last year, 95 journalists lost their lives during the course of their work, according to the International Federation of Journalists. 


Its draft convention on the safety of journalists and other media workers would enshrine into international law safeguards and rights including protection of sources and an end to the impunity of the killers.

https://www.nuj.org.uk/news/world-press-freedom-day-a-tribute-to-lyra-mckee

https://www.ifj.org/actions/ifj-campaigns/end-impunity-for-a-un-convention-to-protect-journalists.html


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