📰 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

Observed on: 2 November

📰 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

📜 Background and History

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2 November as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists through Resolution 68/163 on 18 December 2013.
This date was chosen in memory of French journalists Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, who were tragically murdered in Mali on 2 November 2013.

Before the UN’s official recognition, the IFEX (International Freedom of Expression Exchange) network had initiated 23 November as the International Day to End Impunity in 2011, honoring the victims of the 2009 Maguindanao massacre in the Philippines, where 57 people, including 32 journalists, were brutally killed.

Since then, this day has served as a global reminder that crimes against media professionals must never go unpunished, and justice for journalists is essential to preserve press freedom and democracy.

🌍 Why This Day Matters

Journalists around the world face grave threats — murder, abduction, harassment, censorship, and online abuse.
According to UNESCO and the UN, more than 1,600 journalists have been killed since 2006, and in over 80% of cases, the perpetrators go unpunished.

This culture of impunity emboldens attackers and silences truth-seekers. When journalists cannot work freely and fearlessly, societies lose access to accurate, independent information, which weakens democracy, transparency, and accountability.

The day also highlights that journalist safety is not only a media issue — it is a matter of human rights and justice for every citizen.

💬 Global Call to Action

Each year, this day urges:

Governments to investigate and prosecute crimes against journalists.

Media organizations to strengthen safety training and support systems.

Citizens to stand up for freedom of expression and protect truth-telling voices.

Social platforms and institutions to curb online abuse and digital threats, especially against women journalists.

✍️ Reflection

Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of every democratic nation. The courage of journalists who risk their lives to uncover truth must be honored by ensuring justice, accountability, and protection.

Let this day remind the world that silencing one journalist silences countless unheard voices — and ending impunity is essential to keeping truth alive.