Observed annually on 2 November, this Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 to highlight the urgent need to protect journalists and ensure accountability for crimes committed against them.
It draws attention to the growing dangers faced by media professionals, especially those reporting from crises and conflict zones, where threats such as harassment, detention, and targeted killings remain widespread. UNESCO data show that more than half of journalist deaths in 2023 occurred in such contexts.
The Day underscores that safeguarding journalists is vital for upholding freedom of expression, access to information, and democracy. Ending impunity is essential to prevent “zones of silence” and to ensure that truth and accountability prevail even in the most challenging circumstances.
