International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (02/11)

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists – IDEI is celebrated annually in the UN International Days system on November 2. It was established in 2013 by a General Assembly resolution (A/RES/68/163) to draw global attention to an alarming situation that limits the ability of journalists to carry out their work and undermines the right of society to receive reliable information.

The date for the establishment of the Day was chosen in memory of two French journalists who, on instructions from the editors, covered the course of the armed conflict in Mali, – Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon. They were kidnapped and killed by militants on November 2, 2013. This crime caused a public outcry, and as a result, the UN adopted a document condemning violence against members of the press and obstruction of their duties. After all, according to international humanitarian law, media workers working in areas of armed conflict must enjoy the protection and respect of representatives of all warring parties.

The emphasis on combating impunity is linked to the alarming situation in the field of journalism: between 2006 and 2023, more than 1,600 journalists were killed worldwide, covering the latest news and bringing information to the public. Thus, in 2012, according to UNESCO, 124 media workers died, in 2014 – 98, in 2015 – 115, in 2020-2021 – 117 journalists.

In Ukraine alone, since 2014, 17 media workers have died, including – Russian journalists Anton Voloshin, Igor Kornelyuk, Andrei Stenin, Anatoly Klyan, and Italian photojournalist Andrea Rocchelli. Also, according to the report of the Director-General of UNESCO «Safety of Journalists and the Problem of Impunity», published in 2022, Latin America and the Caribbean remain the region with the highest number of murders of journalists.

We should not forget about the numerous cases of attacks on journalists that occur daily, including threats, torture, kidnappings... And female journalists face the risks of sexual attacks. In this way, the press is deliberately silenced for trying to tell the truth. Although the risk of suffering in combat zones is higher, journalists also die in so-called peaceful regions. In most cases, – is premeditated murder committed in connection with journalists' public revelations of crimes and acts of corruption.

Moreover, it is also scary that only every tenth crime (according to UNESCO) committed against media workers ended in a verdict. That is, in nine out of ten cases, criminals escape punishment due to lack of resources or lack of political will of the leadership of the country where the crime occurred.

Such impunity is fraught with consequences – impunity gives rise to impunity and forms a vicious circle. It instills fear in journalists, and in criminals – confidence negatively affects society, allowing governments to continue censorship. Society is losing confidence in its own judicial system, which is designed to protect all persons from attacks on their rights.

But freedom of expression and freedom of the press have been at the core of UNESCO's mandate since the creation of the Organization, which calls on governments to conduct objective investigations into incidents of attacks on journalists so that they can work without fear of reprisals. Free press and media pluralism – indicator of a free, pluralistic and open society. Attacks on the media and journalists – are blows to democracy.

That is why today's international date was set to once again draw public attention to the importance of ending impunity for crimes against journalists. The resolution that proclaimed it condemns any attacks and acts of violence against media workers. This resolution also urges UN member states to do everything to prevent violence against journalists.

This requires impartial and prompt investigation of cases of violence against media workers and the bringing to justice of those who have committed such crimes. Victims must be provided with access to adequate remedies and States must create safe and favorable conditions so that journalists do their work independently and without pressure.

By the very date, at the initiative of UNESCO and the UN, together with the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights and other international organizations, conferences, seminars, round tables and group discussions on the topics and issues of the Day are held.



Postcard November «2 — International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists»

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