UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists

The UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity is the first concerted effort within the UN to address attacks and impunity of crimes against journalists, with a multi-stakeholder and holistic approach. It brings together UN bodies, national authorities, media, and civil society organizations

Since the plan was adopted, the issue of safety of journalists has gained a higher visibility in the UN, as evidenced by the increasing number of declarations, resolutions and other normative texts, and the UN Secretary General’s Call to Action for Human Rights. Protecting journalists is also part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Plan has also contributed to building international coalitions of governments and civil society and served to bring about changes on the ground, such as the creation of national safety mechanisms in at least 50 countries.

But despite these achievements, challenges still exist. The high rate of impunity for crimes against journalists persists and new forms of threats develop in unprecedented ways.

The 10-year anniversary was a milestone to Reaffirm, Recommit and Reposition efforts to advance the UN Plan

Background

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2 November as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ in General Assembly Resolution A/RES/68/163. 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. It also urges Member States to do their utmost 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.

Do You Know?

• 117 journalists were killed in 2020-2021.
• In 2020 and 2021, Latin America and the Caribbean accounted for 38% of killings, followed by Asia and the Pacific with 32% of killings.
• Only 14 percent of cases of crimes against journalists are currently considered judicially resolved.
• In 2021, the percentage of women among all journalists killed almost doubled, rising to 11% from 6% the previous year.

Credit| United Nations

Violence against journalists, the integrity of elections, and the role of public leadership

Ending impunity for crimes against journalists is one of the most important and complex challenges of recent times. It is an essential precondition to guarantee freedom of expression and access to information for all citizens.

The 2023 observance seeks to raise awareness of the main challenges faced by journalists and communicators in the exercise of their profession, and to warn of the escalation of violence and repression against them. These include attacks and restrictions on the press in the context of coverage of social protests; the use of judicial mechanisms against journalists for reasons related to their journalistic work on matters of public interest; and the increase of forced exile of journalists in some countries.

This year’s theme also seeks to give visibility to the role of a safe and free press in ensuring the integrity of elections and our democratic systems. It reaffirms the obligation of States to adopt effective measures to protect the  independent  press and strengthen institutional  frameworks that combat violence and impunity, and promote media independence, sustainability and diversity.

2023 Events

This year, the main commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists will take place on 2-3 November 2023 at the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington D.C. and will focus on the violence against journalists, the integrity of elections, and the role of public leadership.

Credit|United Nations

President NUJ, Chris Isiguzo

UNESCO REPORT

Between 2006 and 2023, over 1,600 journalists have been killed around the world, with close to 9 out of 10 cases of these killings remaining judicially unresolved, according to the UNESCO Observatory of Killed Journalists. Impunity leads to more killings and is often a symptom of worsening conflict and the breakdown of law and judicial systems. UNESCO is concerned that impunity damages whole societies by covering up serious human rights abuses, corruption, and crime. Governments, civil society, the media, and everyone concerned to uphold the rule of law are being asked to join in the global efforts to end impunity.

It is in recognition of the far-reaching consequences of impunity, especially of crimes against journalists, that the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/68/163 at its 68th session in 2013 which proclaimed 2 November as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ (IDEI). 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.

Every two years, the awareness-raising campaign for the commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists coincides with the findings of the UNESCO Director-General’s Report outlining the current state of global and regional impunity.

UNESCO Kabul office also contributed to commemorating the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists this year by installing banners in multiple languages; national and international as well as social media visibility to reaffirm its commitment to journalists, media-supporting organizations, and the public. 

2023 Global Commemoration

This year, the main commemoration of this significant day is scheduled to take place on 2-3 November, 2023 at the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington D.C.

Organized by UNESCO, in partnership with the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), and its Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (RELE), the event aims to strengthen the ties between organizations and actors involved in the promotion of freedom of expression and reinforce a coordinated response to the threats faced by journalists.

This important event will include multiple panels and discussions, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders including former special rapporteurs, academia, civil society organizations, states, United Nations agencies, and any other individuals dedicated to improving journalist safety worldwide.

The day will furthermore to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the OAS Special Rapporteurship and the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Special Procedure, two specialized offices that hold a pivotal role in promoting and safeguarding freedom of expression globally.

Credit|UNESCO

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