International Day To End Impunity For Crimes Against Journalists
International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is an international holiday that’s officially recognized by the United Nations and is observed annually on November 2nd. The purpose of this holiday is to draw the public’s attention to the low conviction rates for people who commit violent crimes against journalists.
It’s been estimated that only about 10% of all violent crimes against journalists ever result in a conviction. Because journalists fulfill the important role of informing the public about important issues of the day, attacks against them are especially heinous and contribute to a degradation of public awareness and debate.
The History of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists
This international day was created in 2011 by the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX). The original name of the holiday was International Day to End Impunity.
The anniversary of this holiday was chosen because it was the date of the Maguindanao Massacre—otherwise known as the Ampatuan Massacre—which was the single deadliest event in recent modern history. During that massacre, 57 people were murdered, including 32 media workers and journalists.
After IFEX lobbied the UN, they decided to pass Resolution 68/163 in December of 2013. This resolution marked November 2nd of every year as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
Observing International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists
People can observe this holiday by actively engaging with it. They can learn about the atrocities committed against journalists, try to imagine a world in which there were no journalists to report on the news of the day, or lobby their local governments to hold those who commit crimes against journalists more accountable.
People can also watch movies about journalists, including such wonderful films as “A Private War,” “The Post,” and “Spotlight.” Word about this holiday can also be spread across the globe using the hashtag #EndImpunity on their social media posts for the day.
