International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists serves as a crucial reminder of the need to protect the fundamental human rights of freedom of expression and the safety of journalists worldwide. This day promotes awareness and encourages accountability for the crimes committed against these individuals who play an essential role in maintaining open and transparent societies. It is a call to action for ending the cycle of impunity, where individuals and organizations engaging in violence and harassment against journalists often face little or no consequences for their actions.

Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, the observance was a response to the increasing levels of violence and injustices faced by journalists across the globe. For the Canadian population, this day is particularly relevant as the country emphasizes the importance of a free and independent press as a cornerstone of democracy. In recent years, Canada's ranking on the World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders, has experienced a decline due to incidents of harassment and surveillance of journalists by both the police and national security agencies.

In Canada, International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is commemorated with various events, seminars, and conferences organized by media organizations and journalism schools. These events often seek to highlight the risks faced by journalists, provide resources and support for those in danger, and generate public discourse around the protection of press freedoms. Though the events may vary, the shared goal is to honor and protect the vital work of journalists around the world. This global observance occurs annually on November 2nd.