Emergency Statement upon the Execution of Hostage Kenji Goto

We, the Japan Visual Journalist Association (JVJA), appealed to those concerned for the release of Kenji Goto and Haruna Yukawa through two statements and video messages. However, we are now filled with deep sadness following the publication of videos showing the execution of Mr Yukawa and Mr Goto.

Mr Goto stood always on the side of the people
suffering around the world, and fulfilled his role as journalist to convey the
facts. If the footage released is indeed real, Mr Goto's life was taken through
the very wanton violence which he had disavowed.

Why did such an incident occur, and why is it
repeated? “Revenge” serves only to exacerbate hatred and conflict. In order to
break through the negative cycle of violence, we must examine the root causes,
and call for resolution through prudent, peaceful means.

As fighting and bombing continues throughout the
world, the number of victims continues to increase. Protecting precious human
life from violence is what Mr Goto as a journalist wanted to convey, even at
risk to his own life. While expressing condolences for Mr Goto and Mr Yukawa,
we pray that they will be the last to be sacrificed.

February 1, 2015

Japan Visual Journalist Association (JVJA)