International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists marked on November 2

The contribution of journalists in keeping a society transparent, aware and alive is considered immense. In difficult circumstances, on battlefields, while exposing political wrongdoing or bringing social injustice to light, journalists often have to put their lives at risk. The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is observed every year on November 2 to remember the sacrifice of all journalists and media workers who have suffered violence, deceit or injustice while trying to bring out the truth. The day is not only for remembrance. It is an important platform for the whole world to come together to ensure that those who persecute journalists are severely punished.

The day originated in a decision of the United Nations. On November 2, 2013, two senior French journalists of Radio France Internationale (RFI), Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, were abducted and brutally murdered while reporting in Mali, in West Africa. The incident shocked the world.

After the tragedy, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/68/163) at its 68th session on December 18, 2013. The resolution declared that this international day would be observed on November 2 every year. The day was first marked around the world in 2014. Its main aim was to end the practice of impunity, under which those who commit crimes against journalists escape punishment.

What does "impunity" mean? When a journalist is killed, beaten or threatened, and no legal action is taken against the guilty, or they are shielded from punishment by a court, it is called impunity. According to a UNESCO report, thousands of journalists around the world have been killed in the line of duty in the past ten years. Most worrying of all, in about 90 per cent of these cases the guilty are not punished. This emboldens offenders and the attacks on journalists continue.

In today's world, the media is called the "fourth pillar" of democracy. Free journalism is as essential as the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. Journalists shed light on corruption, bring correct information to people and demand answers from those in power. Suppressing the voice of truth, or silencing journalists through fear of violence, is a direct violation of human rights and human freedom. When a journalist is killed or silenced, people's right to information is also taken away. Protecting a journalist is therefore protecting not just one person but the whole of democracy.

In the digital age, the nature of the threat to journalists has also changed. Physical violence or direct shooting is no longer the only danger. Women journalists in particular face large-scale trolling, digital violence and personal defamation on social media. Modern spyware such as Pegasus is being used to illegally monitor journalists' confidential information and conversations. Filing false cases against journalists who report the truth, and spreading misconceptions about them on social media, have also become major challenges. In the wars and military operations of many countries, the lives of journalists who report impartially are constantly at risk.

The main responsibility for the safety of journalists has been given to UNESCO, a United Nations agency. The UN has drawn up a special initiative called the "UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity". Under this plan, countries around the world are asked to create a safe environment for journalists, take strict action against offenders and build an independent justice system. On November 2, UNESCO draws attention to the issue by holding councils, workshops and awareness campaigns around the world.

So what should be done? Offenders should be arrested promptly and given severe punishment by courts. Governments should immediately arrange protection for journalists in danger and their families. Impartial and independent special investigation teams (SITs) should be formed to probe crimes against journalists. Media houses and newspapers should give their reporters, especially those working in war or emergencies, full insurance cover and safety equipment. The day is not a mere formality but a pledge to protect truth, justice and transparency. Democracy will stay alive only if the pen and the camera of journalists remain safe.