International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists – November 2, 2022, history, significance
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists was declared to be marked on November 2 in the ‘General Assembly Resolution A/RES/68/163,’ by the United Nations General Assembly. The Resolution calls on all Member States to take concrete steps to combat the current culture of impunity in their countries. Every year on November 2 —a date that corresponds with the assassination of two French journalists in Mali — this day is honored to mark the anniversary of their deaths. Violence and threats against journalists have been a long-standing concern in Europe and beyond.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS
On November 23, 2011, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists was established by the International Freedom of Speech Exchange (IFEX) —a worldwide network of civil society groups dedicated to defending and promoting the right to freedom of expression and expression rights.
On this day in 2009, the ‘Ampatuan’ massacre was commemorated for Crimes Against Journalists — which was the single bloodiest assault on journalists in modern history — in which 57 people were killed, including 32 journalists and media employees.
In December 2013, following extensive lobbying by IFEX members and other civil society advocates for freedom of expression, the United Nations General Assembly’s 70th plenary session passed ‘Resolution 68/163,’ designating November 2 as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (I.D.E.I.).
Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont — two French journalists who were murdered while reporting in Mali earlier that year— were commemorated on the anniversary of the United Nations Day. IFEX currently organizes the ‘No Impunity Campaign,’ which argues year-round for all those viciously attacked for exercising their right to freedom of speech in a democratic society.
Since 2013, international commemorations of the International Day of Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists and Media Professionals (I.D.E.I.) have provided a unique opportunity to raise awareness and promote a productive discussion among all actors involved in the fight against impunity for crimes against journalists.
Not all nations welcome freedom of expression, and being a journalist may be a dangerous profession. According to the United Nations, between 2004 and 2014, more than 700 journalists were slain. An alarming number of these fatalities result from either unsolved murders or shootings in crossfire/combat. Only a limited fraction of these have resulted in a criminal conviction thus far.
INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS TIMELINE
2009
Ampatuan Massacre
The single bloodiest assault on journalists in modern history occurs, in which 57 people are killed —including 32 journalists and media employees.
2011
International Day to End Impunity is Established
The International Day to End Impunity is established by the International Freedom of Speech Exchange (IFEX) — a worldwide network of civil society groups dedicated to defending and promoting the right to freedom of expression.
2013
Two French Journalists Killed in Mali
Two French journalists — Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont — are murdered while reporting in Mali.
2013
The Day is Designated
Following extensive lobbying by IFEX members and other civil society advocates for freedom of expression, the United Nations General Assembly’s 70th plenary session passes ‘Resolution 68/163,’ designating November 2 as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (I.D.E.I.).
INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS ACTIVITIES
Read stories on impunity against journalists
Read the accounts of journalists who were murdered or wounded while carrying out their duties. It is important we honor and acknowledge the lives lost in the pursuit of justice.
Watch journalism movies
Consider watching movies based on journalism, such as “The Post,” “The Insider,” and “Citizen Kane.” Not only are these critically-acclaimed films, but they provide unique perspectives on journalism.
Spread awareness
Make people aware of this day by posting on social media with the hashtags #TruthNeverDies or #EndImpunity. It is important to never forget the injustices faced by those fighting for a good cause.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT JOURNALISTS
Women journalists are still rare
Women dominate journalism school and college students but lack exposure in the actual journalistic industry — no major news organization employs more than 49% of women.
84% of Pulitzer Prize winners were men
Statistics show that women have traditionally had a difficult time breaking into the male-dominated journalism industry — just 16% of “Pulitzer Prize” winners were women during the first century.
Freelance journalism rates are still rising
Because freelance writers aren’t required to record their income, it’s impossible to measure their marketability, the analysis shows that since 2008, freelancing rates have risen substantially.
Journalists value Twitter the most
Only 40% of journalists use Facebook to interact with their audiences — however, 83% of journalists say Twitter is vital for growing readership.
Print media circulation is in steep decline
Newspaper readership has declined since 2008 when digital media began to dominate, and this trend is expected to continue, making print newspapers a luxury commodity reserved for subscribers.
WHY WE LOVE INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS
The invisible branch of government
Journalists are more than just writers, editors, and newscasters. Journalists are society’s watchdogs, and they are the most conspicuous supporters of the First Amendment right to free expression.
Code of ethics
Anyone who considers themselves a journalist adheres to a Code of Ethics. It is comforting to know that there is something put in place to ensure we have unbiased and ethical news reporting.
Improves our lives
Journalists must give a balanced viewpoint since they are dedicated to discovering and communicating the truth to the public. The ‘news’ provides individuals with the most up-to-date information accessible, allowing them to make educated choices about all areas of their lives.
