International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists 2024

The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) is observed each year on November 2. Recognized by the United Nations, this day highlights the urgent need to protect journalists and address the widespread impunity for crimes committed against them. By drawing global attention to these issues, IDEI advocates for safer conditions for journalists and calls for justice and accountability to uphold freedom of the press worldwide.

Background and Significance

• IDEI was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in Resolution A/RES/68/163.
• November 2, commemorating the 2013 assassination of two French journalists in Mali.

Purpose

• Highlights the urgent need to address violence and impunity faced by journalists, essential for freedom of expression and access to information.
• The Resolution calls on Member States to implement measures to prevent violence, ensure accountability, and bring perpetrators to justice.

Theme of 2024

• “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies,” focusing on the protection of journalists in conflict zones and crisis situations.
• Despite a decrease in journalist deaths in conflict zones since 2017, UNESCO reported a rise in 2023-2024.
• Journalists in high-risk areas face killings, disappearances, torture, detention, equipment confiscation, and harassment.
• Physical attacks, restricted access, and damaged infrastructure create “zones of silence” in conflict areas.

Global Impunity and Its Impacts

• UNESCO records indicate that nine out of ten journalist killings go unpunished, fostering a climate of fear.
• Over 1,700 journalists have been killed since 1993; Latin America and the Caribbean have the highest murder rates.
• Impunity leads to self-censorship, hindering the flow of information and enabling human rights abuses and corruption.

Impact on Women Journalists

• 73% of surveyed women journalists reported online harassment, threats, and intimidation.
• Women journalists face unique challenges, particularly with increased online violence.

UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists

• This plan is the UN’s first coordinated effort to address safety and impunity for crimes against journalists.
• Engages UN bodies, governments, media organizations, and civil society to improve journalists’ safety.
• Increased visibility, policy developments, and safety mechanisms in over 50 countries.
• The protection of journalists is recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

2024 IDEI Events

• This year’s event will take place at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on November 6-7.

Long-term Vision

• The 10th anniversary of the UN Plan emphasizes the need to recommit to journalist protection and adapt to new challenges.
• The UN calls for robust justice systems to investigate threats against journalists, supporting freedom of expression worldwide.