Who ordered the killing of Anna Politkovskaya, Jamal Kashoggi, Arshad Sharif, Javier Valdez, Martinez Zogo and all other journalists whose murders remain unpunished?
To mark the International Day to End Impunity for crimes committed against journalists on 2 November, the IFJ is calling on governments across the world to condemn, investigate, and arrest those who kill, harass and intimidate journalists. Governments should also enact clear and enforceable legislation to protect journalists’ safety.
Since the adoption of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity in 2012, that aimed to create “a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers”, over 26 resolutions have been adopted by the UN General Assembly, UNESCO General Conference and Human Rights Council to draw attention to the increase in violence against journalists and media workers over the world.
Despite this, 68 journalists were killed in 2022 and the IFJ fears this year’s death toll will be high with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel-Palestine.
The IFJ points at Cameroon, India, Kosovo, Mexico and Palestine as countries where the rate of impunity is particularly concerning and where the targeting of media professionals and /or the lack of reaction of public authorities in bringing killers and harassers of journalists convey the message that it is normal practice to get away with it.
The cases of only one in ten murdered journalists are properly investigated, according to the UN. Most of the killers enjoy total impunity, as though killing, attacking or intimidating journalists is normal practice. In turn this undermines the right of citizens to hold their leaders to account, and damages the free flow of information.
As this year’s UN Impunity theme is “Violence against journalists, the integrity of elections, and the role of public leadership”, the IFJ urges Member States to take their responsibility and commit to fight against intimidation, discrimination and violence that surrounds election coverage process, during one of the most tense periods for reporting. With more than 80 nations holding national elections in the upcoming months, the IFJ urges governments to set the basis for safe reporting and commit to investigate any attack on the press, including online.
The IFJ also recalls the need for a UN binding Convention on the safety and independence of journalists and other media professionals and urges national governments to adopt it.
