INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS – November 2

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists Day - November 2
(Last Updated On: May 16, 2022)

INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS

Every year, November 2nd marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The day draws attention to the low conviction rate for crimes committed against journalists on a global scale.

Some journalists stop at nothing to report the truth. Unfortunately, reporting facts cost some journalists their lives. In the past 12 years, over 1,000 journalists have died for seeking the truth and relaying it to the public. Other journalists suffered torture, were severely injured, imprisoned, and harassed. Women reporters suffered sexual assault. Unfortunately, the punishment for people who commit crimes of violence against journalists is too lenient.

In some cases, the offenders receive no punishment at all. Only one in ten cases committed against journalists in the last ten years has led to a conviction. This impunity leads to corruption and the covering up of human rights abuses.

The UN condemns all attacks and violence against journalists. Additionally, the UN urges the Member States to do everything they can to prevent violence against journalists and media workers. Perpetrators need to be held accountable, and justice must prevail.

HOW TO OBSERVE 

To participate in this day:

  • Read the stories of journalists killed for doing their job on the Truth Never Dies website
  • Think about what our world would be like without people who report the news
  • Read and share the op-ed “A New Level of Audacity for Impunity and Journalist Murders”
  • Watch movies about journalism including The Insider, The Post, and Citizen Kane
  • Spread awareness of this day with #TruthNeverDies or #EndImpunity

HISTORY

In 2011, the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) declared November 23rd as the International Day to End Impunity. The date marked the anniversary of the 2009 Ampatuan massacre, in which 32 journalists and media workers were murdered. After extensive lobbying by IFEX and other civil society defenders of freedom of expression, the UN passed a resolution in December 2013. The resolution marked November 2nd as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. The date chosen marked the death of two French journalists.

 

Join the
CELEBRATION NATION!

Stay up to date on upcoming national days and Celebrate Every Day!