International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists observed globally

2 November: International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists was observed globally on 2 November 2016.

The Day is celebrated to spread awareness against the violence and crimes done to journalists and media workers and to bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against journalists and media workers, and ensure that victims have access to appropriate remedies.

It aims to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference.

Over the past decade, more than 800 journalists have been killed for bringing news and information to the public. However,  only one in ten cases committed against media workers over the past decade has led to a conviction.

Background
• The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/68/163 in 2013 which proclaimed 2 November as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
• The Resolution urged Member States to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity.
• The date was chosen in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on 2 November 2013.
• This landmark resolution condemns all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers.