Well over 1000 journalists have been killed because they were bringing news and information to the general public. Ninety percent of cases go without being reported. Impunity is often the catalyst for more killings and often worsens conflict and the infiltration of law and judicial systems.  UNESCO has expressed concerns that impunity damages societies by covering extreme human rights abuses, corruption, and various crime.

The United Nations General Assembly declared the 2nd of November as ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’. This resolution encourages Member States to steer their efforts towards countering the present culture of impunity. This particular date was chosen as it is the anniversary of the assassination of two French journalists which occurred on the 2nd of November in Mali.

The resolution serves as protection for journalists and media professionals as it stands against all violence against them. The resolution also encourages Member States to do all they can to prevent violence against media workers and journalists, as well as make sure if any are harmed they have access to quality care. It ultimately advocates that journalists are given the opportunity to perform their work in safe environments.