The world is marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, drawing attention to the ongoing threats faced by media professionals and the widespread failure to bring those responsible for attacks and killings to justice.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the observance in 2013 through Resolution A/RES/68/163, calling on member states to take concrete measures to combat impunity for crimes against journalists.
Over the past 14 years, more than 1,000 journalists have been killed for reporting the news and providing information to the public. In approximately nine out of 10 cases, those responsible have not been brought to justice.
UNESCO warns that impunity can encourage further attacks and is often a sign of escalating conflict, weakening the rule of law and deteriorating judicial systems.
The organization has also stressed that the failure to investigate and prosecute crimes against journalists affects entire societies by allowing serious human rights abuses, corruption and criminal activity to remain hidden.
The UN resolution condemns all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers and urges member states to take every possible measure to prevent such crimes.
It also calls on governments to ensure accountability, bring perpetrators to justice and guarantee that victims have access to appropriate legal remedies.
November 2 was chosen as the annual observance in memory of two French journalists, Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, who were kidnapped and killed in Mali on November 2, 2013.
The International Day serves as a reminder that protecting journalists requires more than condemning violence. It also demands effective investigations, independent judicial proceedings and accountability for those who threaten or attack media professionals.
