Int’l day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists being observed 

The UN-recognized International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is being observed today (November 2). The day draws attention to the level of impunity for crimes against journalists, which remains extremely high globally.

Freedom of the press is a cornerstone to every just and free society.

Every year, the day is observed to salute all journalists, especially those who risk their safety and their very lives to inform citizens with accurate reporting.

From 2006 to 2020, over 1,200 journalists were killed around the world and most of these killings remained judicially unresolved.

The days is observed in recognition of the far-reaching consequences of impunity, especially of crimes against journalists.

On 16 September, the European Commission (EC) issued the first-ever Recommendation for the Protection, Safety and Empowerment of Journalists.

The Recommendation includes a set of concrete actions, such as joint coordination centres, support services for victims and early warning mechanisms.

In this regard, that the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/68/163 at its 68th session in 2013—proclaiming November 2 as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ (IDEI).

The date was chosen in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on November 2, 2013.

The Commission will also present a European Media Freedom Act in 2022, to safeguard the independence and pluralism of media.

Moreover, EC is working on an initiative to tackle abusive lawsuits lodged against journalists and rights defenders to prevent them from informing the public and reporting on matters of public interest.