November 2, international day to end impunity for crimes against journalists

In the past fourteen years (2006-2019), close to 1,200 journalists have been killed for reporting news and bringing information to the public. In nine out of ten cases, the killers go unpunished. Impunity leads to more killings and is often a symptom of worsening conflict and the breakdown of law and order. Moreover, this impunity emboldens the perpetrators of the crimes and at the same time has a chilling effect on society including journalists themselves. Impunity breeds impunity and feeds into a vicious cycle.

These figures do not include the many more journalists, who on a day-to-day basis suffer from non-fatal attacks, including torture, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, intimidation and harassment in both conflict and non-conflict situations. Furthermore, there are specific risks faced by women journalists, including sexual violence.

When attacks on journalists remain unpunished, a very negative message is sent out that reporting the "embarrassing truth" or "unwanted opinions" will get ordinary people in trouble. Furthermore, society loses confidence in its own judiciary which is meant to protect everyone from attacks on their rights. Perpetrators of crimes against journalists are thus emboldened when they realise they can attack their targets without ever facing justice.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed November 2, as the 'International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists' in General Assembly Resolution A/RES/68/163. The Resolution urged Member States to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity. The date was chosen in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on November 2 2013.

This landmark resolution condemns all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers. It also urges Member States to do their utmost to prevent violence against journalists and media workers, to ensure accountability, bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against journalists and media workers, and ensure that victims have access to appropriate remedies. It further calls upon States to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference.

Compiled by Law Desk (SOURCE: UN.ORG).