International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

November 2, Sunday

The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is observed annually on November 2. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 to raise awareness of the alarming culture of impunity for crimes committed against journalists and media workers. The date was chosen in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists, Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, in Mali on November 2, 2013.

Purpose and Significance
The primary goal of the day is to draw attention to the high number of journalists who face threats, harassment, and violence in the course of their work, and to urge governments to take stronger measures to investigate and prosecute crimes against media professionals. According to UNESCO, over 1,200 journalists have been killed between 2006 and 2020, and in nearly 9 out of 10 cases, the perpetrators go unpunished. This impunity not only endangers individual journalists but also undermines freedom of expression and access to information globally.

Global Observance
The day is marked by events and campaigns organized by media organizations, human rights groups, and governments around the world. These include panel discussions, public statements, social media campaigns, and the release of reports documenting violence against journalists. UNESCO plays a leading role in coordinating international efforts and publishes the biennial report “World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development.”

Key Objectives
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists aims to:
* Promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without interference.
* Encourage member states to implement legal frameworks that protect journalists and ensure accountability for crimes committed against them.
* Raise public awareness about the importance of press freedom and the dangers journalists face.
* Support the families of journalists who have been killed or injured in the line of duty.

Ongoing Challenges
Despite international attention, many journalists continue to face threats, particularly in conflict zones and under authoritarian regimes. Online harassment, especially targeting female journalists, has also become a growing concern. The day serves as a reminder that protecting journalists is essential to upholding democratic values and the public’s right to information.

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International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists in other years

2021 November 2, Tuesday
2022 November 2, Wednesday
2023 November 2, Thursday
2024 November 2, Saturday
2026 November 2, Monday

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists in other countries