‘Stand Up for Justice’, Secretary-General Urges in Message for Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message on the occasion of the first International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, to be observed 2 November:

A free and open press is part of the bedrock of democracy and development.  Yet, in the last 10 years, more than 700 journalists have been killed for simply doing their job.  Some cases have received international attention — others less so.

In the last year alone, for example, at least 17 Iraqi journalists have been executed.  Many more journalists and media workers around the world suffer from intimidation, death threats and violence.  Nine out of 10 cases go unpunished.

As a result, criminals are emboldened.  People are scared to speak out about corruption, political repression or other violations of human rights.  This must stop.  That is why the United Nations declared 2 November as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

We have a UN Action Plan to help create a safe environment for journalists and media workers everywhere.  By ending impunity, we deepen freedom of expression and bolster dialogue.  We advance human rights and strengthen societies.

No journalist anywhere should have to risk their life to report the news.  Together, let us stand up for journalists — and stand up for justice.