On November 2-3, 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Organization of American States (OAS), the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), and the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (RELE) will come together to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
The event, which will take place at the OAS headquarters in Washington, D.C., will focus on the violence against journalists, the integrity of elections, and the role of public leadership.
“On this day, we stand in solidarity with journalists around the world who are working to bring us the truth,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. “We must do everything we can to end impunity for crimes against journalists and to protect their right to freedom of expression.”
The event will feature a keynote address by OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, as well as panel discussions with experts from the media, academia, and government. The goal of the event is to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and to call on governments to take action to protect journalists.
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013. The date was chosen to commemorate the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on November 2, 2013.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, more than 350 journalists have been killed since the day was established. In addition, many more journalists have been attacked, harassed, and imprisoned.
“Impunity for crimes against journalists is a threat to democracy and to the rule of law,” said OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro. “We must all work together to create an environment in which journalists can do their work safely and without fear.”
The event in Washington, D.C. is part of a series of events that will take place around the world to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. Other events will be held in Paris, New York, and London.