By: Yohannes Fentahun
Addis Ababa has hosted the 10th commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists at the African Union headquarters. The event, organized by UNESCO, has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the UN, AU, the Ethiopian government, and journalists from across Africa.
This gathering underscores the ongoing fight for press freedom and the urgent need for justice and accountability for attacks against journalists. Participants are calling for action to protect journalists and ensure that perpetrators are held responsible.
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, observed annually on November 2nd, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013. The day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing threats faced by journalists worldwide and the urgent need to hold perpetrators of crimes against them accountable.
Jelassi Tawfik, Assistant Director General for Communication and Information at UNESCO, opened the event with a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face. "Journalism remains one of the most dangerous professions in the world," he stated. While there has been a slight decline in impunity rates globally, from 95% in 2012 to 85% in 2024, the figure remains alarmingly high. He highlighted the heightened risk journalists face in conflict zones, where they are often targeted for their work. "The need to ensure the safety of journalists is paramount," Dr. Tawfik stressed, emphasizing that the day is not just for commemoration but for a strong call to action.
Representing Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Peace and Security at the African Union Commission (AUC), Salahs Hamad, Senior Human Rights Expert for the Department of Political Affairs at AUC reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to working alongside UNESCO to safeguard journalists. "The African Union is dedicated to ensuring the safety of journalists and promoting media freedom across the continent," he affirmed.
Kebede Desisa, State Minister for the Ethiopian Government Communication Service, for his part highlighted Ethiopia’s efforts to protect journalists, particularly since the reform government took office in 2018. He cited the amendments to the country’s legal framework to strengthen media freedom and ensure the safety of journalists. "In order to guarantee the safety of not only journalists but all citizens, we must actively pursue peaceful conflict resolution," Kebede stated, acknowledging the link between conflict and threats to press freedom.
The Addis Ababa commemoration underscores the global fight against impunity for crimes against journalists. The event serves as a platform for crucial dialogue, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists and the need for collective action to create a safer environment for them to do their vital work of informing the public and holding power to account.