Journalists uncover truth and hold the powerful to account. They bring us critical news and information that makes our societies safer and our democracies stronger.

But their work comes at great risk. Journalism today is one of the world’s most dangerous professions. More than 900 journalists and media workers have been killed in the past decade. And this year alone as many as 70 journalists and media workers have been killed worldwide, according to UNESCO, with Mexico, Ukraine, the Philippines, Pakistan and Haiti among the deadliest countries for the press. Even in established democracies in the EU, journalists have been targeted and killed.

In the vast majority of cases, those responsible go unpunished. Impunity for these crimes fuels further violence, weakens democracy, and harms everyone’s right to the truth.

On November 2, International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the International Press Institute (IPI) will gather together press freedom advocates and journalists from around the world for a demonstration of solidarity to call attention to the continuing epidemic of impunity for crimes against journalists and media workers. 

This gathering will take place as representatives of UN member states convene in Vienna on November 4 for a global conference on the safety of journalists and to reaffirm commitments to the U.N. Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists 10 years since its launch.

This is the time to call on states to take urgent action to stop impunity and keep journalists safe.