The Journalist Support Committee (JSC) and the Association of European Journalists (AEJ) Join UNESCO in calling for an End to Impunity

Every year, we commemorate the 2nd of November, the day that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly as the international day to end impunity for crimes against journalists. The resolution urges member states to take firm measures to end the culture of impunity.

We work with all our partners to strengthen regional cooperation to end impunity for crimes and acts of aggression against journalists. We believe that the continuing violations are due to the consequences of long-term impunity, particularly with regard to crimes against journalists.

We share UNESCO’s mission to ensure that perpetrators of crimes against journalists do not escape justice and to work towards safe and secure working conditions for journalists that are conducive to the development of a free and pluralistic press.

In the last 12 years (2006 - 2017), around 1010 journalists have been killed while carrying out their work in conveying news and information to the public. This figure is equivalent to one casualty every 4 days, while in 9 cases out of 10 the perpetrator remains unpunished. Impunity leads to more killings and it is evidence of exacerbated conflict and the falter of law and judicial systems.

We share mutual concern that impunity can destabilize entire societies by concealing serious human rights violations, corruption and crimes.

We join UNESCO's calls on Governments, civil society, the media and all those involved in upholding the rule of law to join global efforts to put an end to impunity.

#TruthNeverDies