A call to end impunity for crimes against Journalists

Today is the International Day to end impunity for crimes against Journalists.

It is a day set aside by the United Nations in recognition of the far-reaching consequences of impunity, especially of crimes against journalists,

In the past eleven years close to 930 journalists have been killed for reporting the news and bringing information to the public.

According to reports in nine out of ten cases involving journalists the killers go unpunished.

Impunity leads to more killings and is often a symptom of worsening conflict and the breakdown of law and judicial systems.  

The commemoration condemns all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers.

It also urges Member States to do their best to prevent violence against journalists and media workers, to ensure accountability, bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against journalists and media workers, and ensure that victims have access to appropriate remedies.

It further calls upon States to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference.