When: Annually, November 2.
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is on November 2 annually. It’s a day dedicated to addressing the critical issue of safety for journalists and media workers worldwide. This day serves as a stark reminder that in many parts of the world, journalists face grave dangers in the line of duty, and too often, those responsible for violent crimes against them are not held accountable.
Resolution 68/163
Resolution A/RES/68/163 formed the basis for this day, that has been around since 2014. If you’re willing to include even older numbers, the safety of journalists across the globe wasn’t just a problem in 2014. According to UNESCO, since 2006 more than 1,600 journalists have been killed worldwide1. These are individuals who were targeted for bringing news and information to the public. Shockingly, close to 9 out of 10 cases of these killings remain judicially unresolved1. This high rate of impunity not only silences the victims but also sends a chilling message to the media community, impeding the free circulation of information and ideas essential for healthy democracies.
Significance
The date was chosen to commemorate the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on November 2, 2013, and was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 20132. The observance seeks to raise awareness of the main challenges faced by journalists and communicators in the exercise of their profession and to warn of the escalation of violence and repression against them.
Global commemoration efforts
Each year, events are organized worldwide to honour journalists who have lost their lives and to advocate for greater protection for those still reporting. In 2023, the main commemoration is scheduled to take place at the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington D.C., organized by UNESCO in partnership with various international bodies. These events highlight the importance of a safe and free press in ensuring the integrity of elections and our democratic systems.
The role of public leadership
The day also emphasizes the role of public leadership in ending impunity. It reaffirms the obligation of states to adopt effective measures to protect the independent press strengthen institutional frameworks that combat violence and impunity, and promote media independence, sustainability, and diversity.
The chilling effect of impunity
Impunity for attacks on journalists has a chilling effect on society. It not only affects the victims but also intimidates other journalists, leading to self-censorship or forced exile. Latin America and the Caribbean continue to be regions with a high number of murders of journalists, according to the 2022 UNESCO Director-General’s Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity.
The UN plan of action
The United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity is a framework aimed at creating a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers. It calls for coordinated action among various stakeholders, including governments, media houses, and NGOs, to ensure that crimes against journalists do not go unpunished.
Call
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is a call to action for governments, civil society, and individuals around the world to stand up for the rights of journalists. It is a day to demand justice for those who have been silenced and to work towards an environment where the freedom of the press is protected, and the truth can be spoken without fear. As we commemorate this day, let us remember that a society that fails to protect its journalists is one that compromises on its own freedom and democracy.
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