November 2 marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. 87% of these murders remain unpunished worldwide. It is important to fight against such violence for the sake of freedom of expression.
This impunity has consequences. Over 1,200 media professionals were killed worldwide between 2006 and 2020. In 2021, there were 45, according to UNESCO’s Observatory on Killed Journalists.
Many others are threatened, victims of non-lethal assaults (including sexual), such as torture, kidnapping, arbitrary detention, intimidation, and harassment. Threats of violence against the media are on the rise.
These assaults often worsen when not taken seriously. They also cause psychological trauma. Investigations and judicial proceedings are essential.
This day was established in December 2013 by the United Nations General Assembly. The aim was to urge states to combat impunity. The date honors two French journalists, Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, who were killed on November 2, 2013, in Mali.
A resolution from this Assembly (“The safety of journalists and the issue of impunity”) calls on states to “prevent this violence,” condemn the perpetrators, provide remedies to victims, and “promote a safe and enabling environment.”
The concealment “of serious human rights violations, corruption, and crime” weakens society, according to UNESCO. Citizens lose trust in the judicial system. Some information is not published.
