Editorial
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (A/RES/68/163) is a UN-recognized day observed annually on 2 November. The day draws attention to the low global conviction rate for violent crimes against journalists and media workers, estimated at only one in every ten cases.
The importance of this day lies in the fact that journalists and media workers play a vital role in informing the public about issues of public interest, such as corruption, human rights violations, environmental problems, and electoral processes. They also contribute to fostering dialogue, democracy, and social justice. However, in many parts of the world, journalists and media workers face serious threats and attacks for doing their work, ranging from intimidation, harassment, and censorship to kidnapping, torture, and murder.
Impunity for crimes against journalists not only violates the human rights of the victims and their families but also undermines the freedom of the press, the rule of law, and the functioning of democratic societies. Impunity creates a climate of fear and self-censorship among journalists and media workers, which hampers their ability to report the truth and hold the powerful accountable. Impunity also deprives the public of their right to access reliable and diverse information, which is essential for making informed decisions and participating in civic life.
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Therefore, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists aims to raise awareness of the dangers faced by journalists and media workers around the world and to urge governments, civil society, and the international community to take concrete actions to ensure that those who commit crimes against journalists are brought to justice. The day also seeks to highlight the role of a safe and free press in ensuring the integrity of elections and democratic systems and to reaffirm the obligation of states to protect the independent press and promote media diversity and sustainability.
Accordingly, Pakistan should also implement the spirit of the day. It is important that journalists should be protected and their freedom of expression may not be quelled. Freedom of expression and journalistic standards are critical for the growth and development of the society.
