International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists - Stand with journalists across the globe to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. Let’s find out how.

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists 2024 – November 2, 2024

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 FAQs

What is the role of a journalist?

Journalists research, write, edit, and publish news, features, and articles. Their work appears on television, radio, magazines, journals, and newspapers, both in print and online.

What makes a good journalist?

A good journalist has a solid ethical foundation. When it comes to reporting on everything from business news to politics, fairness, honesty, and impartiality are essential.

Can anyone be a journalist?

While many people associate journalists with reporting on breaking events from across the globe, the education required to become a newspaper reporter or a journal is the same — a degree in journalism.

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists Activities

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists dates

Year Date Day
2022 November 2 Wednesday
2023 November 2 Thursday
2024 November 2 Saturday
2025 November 2 Sunday
2026 November 2 Monday