FORUM: “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies.” International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists 2024. The IDEI 2024 Global Commemoration is therefore an opportunity to reaffirm commitments to promoting and guaranteeing freedom of expression worldwide, strengthening international cooperation in ensuring the safety of journalists and media workers in crises and emergencies, and engaging national, regional and international stakeholders in finding solutions to address issues and challenges specific to Africa. The theme of IDEI 2024, Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies, is aligned with the objectives of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically Sustainable Development Goal 16, to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels”. It also corresponds to the objectives of the UN Plan of Action on Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, which calls for a coalition-based and holistic approach to ensuring a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers. The theme also aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, under Aspiration 3, which seeks to promote “an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law”, as well as Aspiration 4, which seeks to promote “a peaceful and secure Africa”, with the goal of “strengthening governance, accountability and transparency as a foundation for a peaceful Africa”. Furthermore, the theme is aligned to Principle 20 on Safety of journalists and other media practitioners contained in the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa (the 2019 Declaration), adopted by the ACHPR in 2019, which provides, inter alia, that “States shall guarantee the safety of journalists and other media practitioners.” Therefore, this year’s theme reaffirms and reinforces the common purpose between the UN system and the AU in promoting an enabling environment for journalists as the foundation of peace, democracy, accountability, transparency, and good governance. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #EndimpunityDay, #CrimesAgainstJournalists, #2november, #DefendPressFreedom, #ProtectJournalists.
EVENTS:
At UN Geneva, on November 1st 2024 at the Palais des Nations, Room XXVI. The 2024 United Nations International Media Seminar on Peace in the Middle East is organized by the United Nations Department for Global Communications, as part of its Special information programme on the question of Palestine. The annual seminar was created over three decades ago to provide a platform that aims to sensitize public opinion to the question of Palestine, enhance dialogue and understanding between media practitioners, and foster and encourage their contribution in support of a peaceful settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At a time of alarmingly escalated crisis, this year’s seminar will bring together journalists, media professionals, scholars and diplomats from Israel, the State of Palestine, Switzerland, and other parts of the world to examine two very pertinent themes: “Freedom of the Press and Safety of Journalists in a Time of War” and “Behind the Headlines of Gaza: Media Challenges and Perspectives.” This public event will take place on 1 November at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, in Room XXVI. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in Arabic.To attend in person, please register here.
In Washington D.C; The commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists 2024 will take place on November 2nd at the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) Organized by UNESCO, in partnership with the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and its Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (RELE), the event will focus on the violence against journalists, the integrity of elections, and the role of public leadership. This important event will include multiple panels and discussions, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders including former special rapporteurs, academia, civil society organizations, states, United Nations agencies, and any other individuals dedicated to improving journalist safety worldwide. The day will furthermore commemorate the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the OAS Special Rapporteurship and celebrate the 31th anniversary of the United Nations Special Procedure, two specialized offices that hold a pivotal role in promoting and safeguarding freedom of expression globally.
At the African Union Headquarters in Ethiopia; On November 6 and 7th, from 9:00 am -18:00 pm; The UNESCO and the African Union will also co-organize a congress and a DayofAction” to allow stakeholders and participants to organise and attend different types of activities. These activities will be action-oriented initiatives, such as the launch of reports and projects, a chance to hold strategic partnership meetings, trainings, workshops, and exhibitions, discussing continental, regional, and subregional action plans, and conducting information sessions. In the context of the rise of conflicts and other crises, UNESCO and the African Union will join efforts with media stakeholders globally, to promote a broader discussion on the safety of journalists working in these contexts, including the prevention, protection and prosecution concerns of journalists affected by such challenges. With the UN Plan of Action on the safety of journalists in its second decade of implementation, IDEI 2024 is an opportunity to strengthen stakeholder cooperation in the implementation of the Plan, particularly in Africa. The occasion will also serve to strengthen the AU’s contribution to the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, building upon the cooperation as part of the IGOs ‘Light Touch’ Task Force on the Safety of Journalists, and partnership with the PRC Sub-Committee on Human Rights, Democracy and Governance. The IDEI global commemoration again serves as an opportunity to advance UNESCO’s planned Global Roadmap for Information as a public good in the face of the environmental crisis, which was announced at the World Press Freedom Day 2024 in Santiago, Chile, and seeks to address various aspects to promoting safety of journalists covering environmental issues, as well as ways to advance information integrity, including countering disinformation on climate change. These include addressing the different threats to environmental information, such as climate disinformation and misinformation, climate change denial, and violence against environmental journalists, among others. Furthermore, IDEI 2024 will be an occasion to take stock of the action plan developed by stakeholders during the 3rd African Media Convention, which took place in Ghana in May 2024. Progress reports from African media stakeholders will be presented during the IDEI, particularly on (i) Progress on the Development of the Pan-African Strategy on Media Information Literacy and Digital Competencies led by the AU Directorate of Information and Communication in partnership with UNESCO; and, (ii) Progress made in establishing a multi-stakeholder coalition to mainstream Freedom of Expression, Access to Information and the Safety of Journalists in the Africa Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Voluntary Self-Assessments processes led by UNESCO and AU APRM. In addition, IDEI 2024 will provide an opportunity to address broader issues of the integrity of information within the framework of UNESCOs role as a knowledge partner to the G20. This will include discussing the implementation of the Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms, and the specific actions that stakeholders must take to mitigate the risks associated with online harmful content in the context of crises and emergencies, while safeguarding freedom of expression and the right to access to information. Furthermore, ensuring mitigation measures are in place to protect journalists and public-interest information. Articulating the place of Africa in conversations regarding information integrity, South Africa will hold the G20 Presidency in 2025. It will be the first time an African country leads the Group of 20, coinciding with the African Union becoming a permanent member of the G20. This event will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the first IDEI, held in 2014 at the European Court of Human Rights, after the landmark establishment of the November 2nd as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) by the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution 68/163. This event will also commemorate the 20th anniversary of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 2004, whose role is pivotal in safeguarding freedom of expression and safety of journalists in Africa.
From 9:00 am - 12:45 pm,
DAY I (6 November) - Opening ceremony - Location: Nelson Mandela Conference Hall.
Session 1: Safety of journalists in Conflicts: Risks, Protections, and the role of the international community.
Session 2: Safety of Journalists in environmental crises and disasters: Defending the defenders
Session 3: Safety of Women Journalists in crises and emergencies: Tackling gendered dimensions of safety.
Session 4: High-Level Panel On Leveraging African Union Structures to Promote Global Solidarity on Safety of Journalists.
Session 5: Circumventing “Zones of Silence”: Protecting Press Freedom in the Sahel.
Session 6: Sustaining journalism and humanitarian information in times of crisis: Best Practices from Africa.
Session 7: Strengthening Pan-African Mechanisms and synergies for Monitoring and Reporting on Safety of Journalists.
Day II (7 November) - Official Closing Ceremony - Location: African Union - Caucus Rooms 26-31 and Lobby D. The Day of Action offers a unique chance for stakeholders and participants to organise and attend different types of action-oriented activities held on the premises of the African Union Headquarters. More than 15 activities will take place!
9:00 am - 11:00 am - Morning Activities.
Journalist Safety: How Long Until We End the Killings and Impunity? | Organized by the Al Jazeera Center for Public Liberties and Human Rights and Al Jazeera Media Network | Caucus Room 31
Safeguarding journalists’ safety online: Creating gender-sensitive newsroom protocols | Organized by the International Press Institute and The African Editor Forum | Caucus Room 30
State of Media Freedom and Journalist Safety in Africa | Organized by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) | Caucus Room 27
Workshop on Fact Checking and Journalism in sensitive context | Organized by the CFI, French Media Development Agency | Caucus Room 29
Journalists on the Front Line: Addressing Threats to Press Freedom in Eastern Africa and the Sahel Region | Organized by the ARTICLE 19 (Eastern Africa/Senegal and West Africa) | Caucus Room 26
Consultation on UNESCO’s Framework for Human Rights Risk Assessment in the Context of Journalists Safety Online | Organized by the UNESCO | Caucus Room 28
Digital security walk-in clinic/help-desk | Organised by Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa | Lobby D
11:15 am - 1:00 pm - Mid-Morning Activities.
Consultation on UNESCO’s Framework for Human Rights Risk Assessment in the Context of Journalists Safety Online | Organized by the UNESCO | Caucus Room 28
The impact of Crises and emergencies on the Safety of Journalists in the Arab Region | Organized by the UNESCO | Caucus Room 26
Working together to protect journalists: What’s happened, and what’s possible, through the Media Freedom Coalition | Organized by the Media Freedom Coalition and Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany | Caucus Room 27
Conference on Fact Checking and Journalism in sensitive context | Organized by the CFI, French Media Development Agency | Caucus Room 29
Orientation and review of Safety of Journalists Platform | Organized by The African Editor Forum | Caucus Room 30
Consultation for inputs on SR's thematic report to the Human Rights Council on freedom of expression and elections in the digital age | Organized by the Special Rapporteur Irene Khan on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression - Only by invitation. | Caucus Room 31
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Afternoon Activities.
Consultation on World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development Report 2025 | Organised by UNESCO | Caucus Room 28
The Official Launch of Media- Lawyers Alliance in Ethiopia | Organised by Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organization | Caucus Room 29
UNESCO-African Union Media Fellowship Curriculum, Development Consultations | Organised by UNESCO and the African Union | Caucus Room 26
Showcasing the challenges on the safety of journalists in the Sahel and Eastern DRC and launching the Declaration on the right to information | Organised by Reporters Without Borders | Caucus Room 26
Ensuring the Safety and Protection of Journalists by Addressing Impunity: A Responsibility for the World | Organised by Federation of African Journalists and International Federation of Journalists | Caucus Room 27
Breaking the Silence | Organised by Sudan Media Forum | Caucus Room 30
Read more in the practical information note. All participants must complete their registration form by latest 18 October 2024. Kindly note that the IDEI will also offer virtual participation.
Commemorations Around the world: Discover the events in your area.
On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, we reaffirm our commitment to press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide.
A free press is fundamental to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Yet journalists around the world are prevented from doing their job and often face threats, violence, and even death in their mission to bring truth to light and hold the powerful to account.
Recent years have seen an alarming rate of fatalities in conflict zones – in particular in Gaza, which has seen the highest number of killings of journalists and media workers in any war in decades.
Worldwide, an estimated 9 out of 10 of journalist murders go unpunished. Impunity breeds further violence. This must change.
The Pact for the Future adopted last month calls for respecting and protecting journalists, media professionals and associated personnel working in situations of armed conflict.
I call on governments to bring these commitments to life by taking urgent steps to protect journalists, investigate crimes against them, and prosecute perpetrators – everywhere.
Together, let’s end the cycle of violence, uphold freedom of expression, and ensure that journalists can carry out their essential work safely and without fear – everywhere.
United Nations Secretary-General.
Since 2013, UNESCO and the United Nations have commemorated 2 November every
year as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
In a world plagued by an upsurge in armed conflicts and the massive dissemination of
false information, the role of journalists has never been more crucial. Through their
essential work of documentation, investigation and verification, they guarantee freedom
of expression and access to quality information, the bedrock of democratic life.
Yet journalists are increasingly subjected to violence – arbitrary arrest, cyberbullying,
physical assault and even murder. A recent UNESCO report listed 162 journalists
murdered in 2022-2023, an increase of almost 40% on the previous two years.
This phenomenon is growing in the age of climate change, with journalists playing a key
role in exposing environmental crimes. For example, UNESCO recently recorded an
increase in attacks on “green” journalists, with 305 occurrences recorded between 2019
and 2023, a 42% increase on the 2014-2018 period.
These crimes must not and cannot go unpunished. Yet this is still the case for almost
85% of them.
UNESCO has systematically condemned the nearly 900 murders of journalists recorded
since 2013 and is committed to breaking this impunity.
The Organization works daily to ensure the safety and integrity of journalists. It trains
and assists them in the field, and it also supports law enforcement authorities, judges
and prosecutors so as to better protect journalists and ensure that those who silence
them are systematically brought to justice. With the Crimes against Journalists Training
Programme, launched in Latin America in 2013, nearly 36,000 magistrates around the
world have been trained in this way.
UNESCO also informs the actions of political and judicial decision-makers, by
investigating emerging risks such as the cyberbullying of women journalists, and by
raising public awareness of press freedom issues – notably through initiatives such as
this International Day.
This year’s event will be followed by the Days of Action and Commemoration at the
African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa on 6 and 7 November 2024, under the
auspices of UNESCO, to take specific measures for the safety of journalists in times of
crisis and emergency.
These initiatives are a joint call to end impunity. On this International Day, let us
remember the importance of their security, independence and protection in carrying out
their mission, which is so crucial to peace and social progress.
UNESCO Director-General.
CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS
The 2024 United Nations International Media Seminar on Peace in the Middle East is organized by the United Nations Department for Global Communications, as part of its Special information programme on the question of Palestine. The annual seminar was created over three decades ago to provide a platform that aims to sensitize public opinion to the question of Palestine, enhance dialogue and understanding between media practitioners, and foster and encourage their contribution in support of a peaceful settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At a time of alarmingly escalated crisis, this year’s seminar will bring together journalists, media professionals, scholars and diplomats from Israel, the State of Palestine, Switzerland, and other parts of the world to examine two very pertinent themes: “Freedom of the Press and Safety of Journalists in a Time of War” and “Behind the Headlines of Gaza: Media Challenges and Perspectives.” This public event will take place on 1 November at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, in Room XXVI. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in Arabic.
To attend in person, please register here.
OPENING SESSION
10:30-11:00: Opening session
Opening Statements
OPENING SESSION
10:30-11:00: Opening session
Opening Statements
Ms. Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, United Nations
Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva
H.E. Dr. Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations
Messages
Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva
H.E. Dr. Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations
Messages
H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
H.E. Mr. Cheikh Niang, Permanent Representative of Senegal to the United Nations, Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People
SESSION I – Freedom of the Press and Safety of Journalists in a Time of War (11:00-12:30)
Moderator: Ms. Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, United Nations
11:00-12:00 | Statements by:
H.E. Mr. Cheikh Niang, Permanent Representative of Senegal to the United Nations, Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People
SESSION I – Freedom of the Press and Safety of Journalists in a Time of War (11:00-12:30)
Moderator: Ms. Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, United Nations
11:00-12:00 | Statements by:
Ms. Ameera Harouda, Freelance Journalist
Professor Colleen Murrell, Professor, International and Broadcast Journalism, Dublin City University
Ms. Jodie Ginsberg, Chief Executive Officer, Committee to Protect Journalists
Mr. Guilherme Canela, Chief of Section, Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
12:00-12:30 | Questions and Answers
Professor Colleen Murrell, Professor, International and Broadcast Journalism, Dublin City University
Ms. Jodie Ginsberg, Chief Executive Officer, Committee to Protect Journalists
Mr. Guilherme Canela, Chief of Section, Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
12:00-12:30 | Questions and Answers
At a time of alarmingly escalated crisis, this year's event will bring together journalists, media professionals, scholars and diplomats from Israel, the State of Palestine, Switzerland, and other parts of the world to examine two very pertinent themes: "Freedom of the Press and Safety of Journalists in a Time of War" and "Behind the Headlines of Gaza: Media Challenges and Perspectives."
SESSION II – Behind the Headlines of Gaza: Media Challenges and Perspectives (15:00–16:30)
Moderator: Ms. Nanette Braun, Director, Communication Campaigns Service, Campaigns and Country Operations Division, UN Department of Global Communications
15:00-16:00 | Statements by:
Mr. Omar Baddar, Political Analyst and Digital Producer
Ms. Anat Saragusti, Director, Press Freedom, Union of Journalists in Israel
Mr. Mohammad Ali Alnsour, Chief, the Middle East and North Africa Section, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Ms. Lila Hassan, Independent Investigative Journalist
16:00-16:30 | Questions and Answers
SEMINAR CLOSES
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