Professor Tarlach McGonagle:

All of the strategies we have discussed, both existing and proposed, are more than the sum of their parts. It is important to pursue all of them in different ways. There is an important complementarity there because of the enormity of the problem we face. In pursuing these strategies, it is important to remember journalists need 360 degree protection; that is physical, psychological, legal, financial, political and so on. There are different ways to ensure the different dimensions of protection are secured. There are also different phases of prevention and protection in practice. There is prosecution, ensuring impunity is eradicated or at least reduced, and also promotion of best practices.

I will piggyback on Ms Joris for a change. She made an important point about the different stages involved: conflict prevention; resilience during the conflict; and looking ahead post-conflict.

Perhaps the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and the Tallinn guidelines with their emphasis on conflict prevention would be useful reference points for the committee.

I thank the committee for holding this discussion and for the excellent questions and engagement.