Let's thank and remember the journalists who put their lives on the line

International day of solidarity with detained and missing staff members has been added to our calendars by the United Nations to create a movement in protecting personals in their jobs and predominately, journalists who have been abducted or killed.

Initially, this is a day to say 'hey Government, do more to protect our UN staff' but right now I think they have their hands full. This won't stop us to show our appreciation and to remember those who took the risk for what they believed in and even today with Covid-19.

Today is an anniversary of the 1985 abduction of British journalist Alec Collett whose remains were found 25 years later in Lebanon.

As an employee of UN Relief, he working on an article about Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and unfortunately was kidnapped at gunpoint and not seen again, along with five more British citizens.

We should take this time to celebrate his dedication and selfless work in human rights because what he did should be widely respected.

Journalists want to tell people's stories, help out in warzones and I'm sure they'll be aware of the dangers before they take on a job. And this is the reason I'm an aspiring journalist, to stand up for what is right and create a movement.

When you think about applying for a job in journalism after university, you just don't know what to expect and that is the beauty of it. I know when I jump into a job, I'm willing to take these chances and know it's for a good reason and potentially life-changing for many.

Recently two reporters went missing in Wuhan, China in a BBC article saying 'they are no where to be seen' because 'the journalists wanted to provide the truth.' This International day should celebrate the bravery of the activists but also make sure they are not forgotten about and fingers crossed, found.

Times like this, people can be sharing posts across social platforms and pull together to create solidarity for the detained and missing staff members.

Other journalists like Fergal Keane, Kate Adie who worked for the BBC threw themselves at every opportunity they got to broadcast what they seeing around them and their experiences which hits home for readers.

I have reached out to the two inspirational figures and will update the page if I get a response, which I can only hope I get the opportunity to interview them both.

In our current situation, journalism is essential to tell the world what is happening throughout the long hard days of Covid-19.

Today let's celebrate the local, national and international journalists who put their lives at risk daily to tell peoples stories to create awareness of what is happening around us. Thank you for the United Nation for putting together this important day and working tirelessly to recover those who sadly have been abducted and missing.

Please leave any comments below and show your appreciation.

Stay smiling,

Z