50 Journalists Killed in 1996, Group Says

At least 50 journalists were killed while on assignment in 1996, the Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists said. The IFJ, which says it is the world’s largest journalists organization, urged employers and governments to play a more active role in protecting and supporting journalists at risk. “Publishers like the glamour and circulation-building strength of investigative journalism, but are not always willing to assume the responsibility for the safety of their journalists,” IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said in a statement. The IFJ called for an international code of practice among media professionals to ensure that life insurance, medical assistance, risk-awareness training and social protection are provided for journalists.