Journalists today must be both defenders of truth and advocates for change within the profession and in the wider society.

UN human rights experts have strongly urged states to take firm steps to ensure accountability for violence and attacks against journalists, and reversing and resisting the trend of impunity.

Today is the fifth anniversary of the UN recognising November 2 as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. Incidentally, data shows that this year has been one of the deadliest for journalists out of the last five years, if not longer.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the brutal killings and the lack of progress in investigation of these attacks. Impunity for targeted attacks and murders of bloggers and journalists fosters an environment in which violent groups are strengthened

The journalists are increasingly becoming an engendered species. And we are reminded of this unpleasant fact once again as we observe the 'International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists' (IDEI) today.