November 2nd, 2026

The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is observed on November 2 to draw attention to violence against journalists and to the fact that most of those responsible are never brought to justice. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the day in December 2013, and it was first observed in 2014. The date marks the killing of two French radio journalists, Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, who were abducted and murdered in Kidal, Mali, on November 2, 2013. Journalists around the world face murder, kidnapping, imprisonment, and harassment because of their reporting, and according to UNESCO, about 85 percent of killings of journalists remain unresolved. When these crimes go unpunished, they encourage further attacks and push reporters to censor themselves, leaving the public less informed. In the United States, freedom of the press is protected by the First Amendment, and the 2002 murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Pakistan is a reminder that American journalists are also targeted abroad. Press freedom groups, newsrooms, and human rights organizations mark the day with campaigns, vigils, and calls on governments to investigate attacks and protect the people who report the news.