The United Nations (UN)’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists(IDEI) is annually observed across the globe on 2nd November to create awareness about the dangers of impunity for crimes against journalists.
- The day also pays tribute to the journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty.
- This also provides a platform to highlight the role of journalism and media in preventing violence and discrimination.
Background:
i.On 18th December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/68/163 and proclaimed the 2nd November of every year as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists(IDEI).
ii.The first-ever IDEI was observed on 2nd November 2014.
Why November 2?
November 2nd was chosen as the date of observance of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists to pay tribute to the French journalists Ghislaine Dupont (57) and Claude Verlon (55) – Radio France Internationale (RFI), who were assassinated on 2nd November 2014 in Mali.
Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity:
The observance of the 2024 IDEI coincides with the biannual United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General(DG)’s Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
- The 2024 report recorded a 38% increase in the number of journalist killings compared to the previous study.
- In 2024, the global impunity rate was measured by UNESCO at 85% compared to 89% in 2018 and to 95% in 2012.
- The Report is a unique mechanism within the UN system for monitoring the killings of journalists. It was presented at the IPDC’s Intergovernmental Council Session.
2024 Event:
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists(IDEI) 2024 celebration will take place on 6-7 November 2024 at the Headquarters of African Union(AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia under the theme of “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies”.
- It was hosted by the AU and co-organized by the UNESCO and the AU.
- This event will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the first IDEI, held in 2014 at the European Court of Human Rights.
- This event will also commemorate the 20th anniversary of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 2004.
