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January 21, 2025 – General –
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI) is observed annually on 2 November. The date marks the 2013 killing of French journalists Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon in Mali. Established by UN General Assembly Resolution 68/163, the day aims to draw global attention to the alarming rate of violence against journalists and the lack of justice that often follows.
Between 2006 and 2024, over 1,700 journalists have been killed worldwide, yet nearly nine out of ten cases remain unsolved, according to UNESCO’s Observatory of Killed Journalists. This widespread impunity enables further attacks, weakens press freedom, and denies justice to victims and their families.
IDEI’s goals include promoting accountability for crimes against journalists, strengthening legal protections for media workers, and encouraging states to take action against violence and intimidation targeting the press. It also aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Each year, UNESCO marks the day with the launch of its Director-General’s Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, which highlights patterns of abuse, country-specific cases, and government responses. Campaigns and events are held globally—including panel discussions, art exhibitions, and legal forums—to engage the public, policymakers, and civil society.
The 2024 commemoration, held in Addis Ababa, focused on journalist safety in crisis regions and was jointly hosted with the African Union. Global organizations such as the International Federation of Journalists, Media Freedom Coalition, and Media Council of Kenya have all supported IDEI’s efforts to amplify the voices of affected journalists and push for systemic reform.
Digital campaigns using the hashtag #EndImpunity aim to raise awareness and encourage public participation. Advocates stress that honoring this day goes beyond remembrance—it’s a call to protect journalism as a pillar of democracy and ensure that no crime against the press goes unpunished.
Bottom line: IDEI serves as a global reminder that protecting journalists is essential to protecting truth and accountability. Ending impunity is not optional—it’s a human rights obligation.
Reference –
https://www.unesco.org/en/days/end-impunity
https://sdgresources.relx.com/events/international-day-end-impunity-crimes-against-journalists-2025
