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January 21, 2025 – Source: RELX
International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists 2025
Advocating for a Safe and Free Press
The freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democratic societies, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, journalists around the world face threats and violence, often with little consequence for their perpetrators. The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists seeks to address this critical issue.
The Significance of the Day
November 2 is observed as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. Proclaimed by the United Nations, this day focuses on addressing the urgent need to protect journalists and bring those who harm them to justice. It’s a day to stand up for the right to freedom of expression and to honor those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth.
Journalism and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The SDGs, particularly Goal 16, emphasize peace, justice, and strong institutions. A free and safe press is vital for achieving these goals. Journalists play a key role in exposing corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental issues, contributing to informed and engaged societies.
Activities and Events for 2025
Safety Workshops: Training sessions for journalists on safety measures and risk management in hostile environments.
Webinars and Panel Discussions: Engaging conversations with journalists, legal experts, and human rights advocates about the challenges in reporting and the importance of a free press.
Memorial Exhibitions: Honoring journalists who have lost their lives, showcasing their work and stories.
Online Resources: Providing access to reports, safety guidelines, and advocacy tools for journalists and the public.
Engage and Participate
Supporting press freedom and the safety of journalists is a shared responsibility:
Stay Informed: Understand the challenges faced by journalists and the importance of press freedom.
Advocate: Raise awareness about the plight of journalists and support campaigns against impunity.
Support: Contribute to organizations working for the protection and rights of journalists.
A Day of Remembrance and Action
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is a day of remembrance, but also a day of action. It’s a call to ensure that journalists can work safely and without fear, as their role is essential for the health of any society.
Join in marking this important day in 2025, as we strive to create a world where every journalist can report freely and safely.
International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists Themes
| Year | Theme | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies | Highlighted the dangers journalists face in crisis situations such as war zones and natural disasters, while calling for increased protection and accountability measures. |
| 2020 | Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies | Focused on the high rate of impunity for crimes against journalists, identifying legal factors that exacerbate impunity and sharing best practices for reducing it. |
| 2021 | Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies | Emphasized the dangers journalists face in conflict zones and natural disasters, the need for protection measures, and the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression. |
| 2022 | There’s a Story Behind the Story | Aimed to ensure effective investigations, end impunity, hold perpetrators accountable, and reaffirm society’s intolerance of attacks on journalists. |
| 2023 | Violence Against Journalists | Highlighted the importance of protecting journalists from violence, the role of journalists in maintaining election integrity, and the responsibility of public leadership in promoting press freedom. |
| 2024 | Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies | The theme for 2024 focuses again on the dangers faced by journalists in crises, with global commemorations to be held at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. |
https://sdgresources.relx.com/events/international-day-end-impunity-crimes-against-journalists-2025