UNSC strongly condemns assassination of French journalists in Mali

The UN Security Council strongly condemned the kidnapping and assassination of two French journalists in Kidal, Mali on November 2. Expressing their condolences to the family of the victims, as well as to the Government of France, members of the UNSC, in a statement late Saturday, recalled that "In accordance with international humanitarian law journalists, media professionals and associated personnel engaged in dangerous professional missions in areas of armed conflict, are generally considered as civilians and shall be respected and protected as such." Furthermore, they demanded that all parties to an armed conflict comply fully with the obligations applicable to them under international humanitarian law, including as related to the protection of civilians in armed conflict. They also stressed those responsible for these assassinations shall be held accountable and called on the Government of Mali to swiftly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. Members of the Security Council reaffirmed that any acts of terrorism "are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed." They also reiterated their full support for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and French forces who support it and called on all parties to cooperate fully with the Mission.