‘When a journalist is killed, thousands of people are silenced.’
KEY TAKEAWAYS
UN General Assembly declared this day in its 68th Session (2013) with Resolution 163, commemorating the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on 2nd November, 2013.
The 2024 theme is “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies," with the main commemoration set for 6th to 7th November, 2024, at the African Union Headquarters, Ethiopia.
Highlights the essential role journalists play and the need for their safety and protection against impunity.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Origin of the Day
Significance
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
International Day to End Impunity of Crimes against Journalists is a UN-recognised international day observed annually on 2nd November. This day serves as a reminder of the vital role journalists play and emphasises the need for their safety and protection against impunity.
The 2024 theme of the International Day to End Impunity of Crimes against Journalists is ‘Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies’ and the global commemoration will take place on 6-7 November 2024 at the African Union Headquarters in Ethiopia.
Amid the escalation of conflicts, the 2024 theme aims to foster a comprehensive discourse on the safety of journalists operating in such high-risk environments. This includes addressing critical issues related to prevention, protection, and the prosecution of offences against journalists who face these formidable challenges.
ORIGIN OF THE DAY
The United Nations General Assembly at its 68th Session in 2013 while adopting the 163rd resolution declared November 2nd as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. The date was chosen in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on 2nd November, 2013. The resolution also urged member states to make and implement effective measures to fight against impunity and support the right to free press of journalists.
In 2012, the United Nations adopted a Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity to create a free and safe working environment for journalists and media professionals. This plan includes six areas: raising awareness; standard setting and policy-making; monitoring and reporting; capacity building; research and coalition building. This plan includes collaboration with various actors such as International Bodies, Governments, NGOs, and Media Organisations.
SIGNIFICANCE
The 2024 UNESCO Director-General Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity show that the global impunity rate for journalist killings remains shockingly high at 85% which reflects immediate action to counter the impunity culture.
According to the UNESCO Observatory of Killed Journalists, between 2006 and 2023, over 1,600 journalists have been killed around the world, with close to 9 out of 10 cases of these killings remaining judicially unresolved. The data suggests the necessity for enhanced international and national legal frameworks, improved investigative and judicial processes and robust collaboration among governments, civil society and media organisations to protect journalists, ensure thorough prosecutions, and prevent further violence.
On this day, we amplify our call for justice for journalists worldwide who confront severe threats and violence merely to fulfil their professional duty of uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable. Journalists are pivotal defenders of democracy, freedom of expression, and the right to information. Nevertheless, perpetrators of violence against them frequently evade prosecution, perpetuating a cycle of impunity.
CONCLUSION
Journalists have a critical role to play globally today and impunity against them hinders their process of informing the public, uncovering truths, ensuring transparency in democracy and fostering informed debates. The alarming rise of violence and threats faced by journalists and media professionals creates an environment of fear and altogether has a chilling effect on them as well as on society.
"When it comes to protecting journalists, everyone has a part to play. If we are complacent, if we look away, we are part of the problem." - Audrey Azoulay (Director-General of UNESCO).
FURTHER READINGS
OHCHR and the safety of the journalists and the issue of impunity: https://www.ohchr.org/en/safety-of-journalists
The Council of Europe: Member states must act to end impunity for crimes against journalists: https://www.coe.int/sr-RS/web/commissioner/-/member-states-must-act-to-end-impunity-for-crimes-against-journalists
UNESCO Launches Call for Proposals To Protect Environmental Journalists And Combat Impunity: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-launches-call-proposals-protect-environmental-journalists-and-combat-impunity
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