UNESCO Condemns Attack That Killed Two Iranian Journalists

Following the airstrike on the building of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) on 17 June 2025, which resulted in the deaths of two Iranian journalists, Nima Rajabpour and Masoumeh Azimi, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay strongly condemned the attack and called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the incident. UNESCO’s position was announced following Iran’s sustained and coordinated efforts in engagement with international organizations, particularly after correspondence and verification procedures between the Islamic Republic of Iran and UNESCO. This action is regarded as a major achievement in Iran’s cultural diplomacy and in advancing human rights and media freedom at the global level.

Inter-Organizational Cooperation to Ensure Journalists’ Safety

UNESCO’s condemnation of the killing of the two journalists in attacks by the Israeli regime, following Iran’s persistent efforts, demonstrates constructive cooperation through which Iran succeeded in drawing the international community’s attention to threats against media safety. Through the efforts of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and through correspondence and negotiations, this achievement was secured, culminating in the official condemnation.

UNESCO and the Protection of Human Rights in the Media Environment

In a statement strongly condemning the attack, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasized the importance of protecting journalists’ rights against all forms of threat and violence. She stated that, under international law, media facilities must be protected as civilian objects during crises and armed conflicts. She also stressed that this issue must be on the agenda of all governments and international organizations to ensure the safety of journalists and media outlets.

Protecting the Media: A Vital Issue in International Human Rights

Audrey Azoulay further stated that all media infrastructure must be protected as civilian objects under international humanitarian law. She also recalled that, pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2222, adopted in 2015, the protection of journalists and media workers must be upheld as an essential principle in situations of crisis and armed conflict.

A Major Step Towards Advancing Human Rights and Global Security

UNESCO’s action is broadly regarded as a major step towards promoting global peace and security and supporting human rights and media freedom in times of crisis. The Iranian National Commission for UNESCO emphasizes that this achievement is the result of cooperation and solidarity among various national and international institutions, which have helped build a global consensus condemning the attack and supporting journalists’ rights.

The Iranian National Commission for UNESCO also hopes that such cooperation will continue to improve media safety and help prevent similar attacks against journalists and media outlets worldwide.

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