NEW DELHI: The United Nations has decided to observe International Day to end impunity for crimes against journalists on 2 November from this year onwards.

Giving the message, UN Secretary General Bai Ki-Moon said, “A free and open press is part of the bedrock of democracy and development. Yet in the last 10 years, more than 700 journalists have been killed for simply doing their job. Some cases have received international attention; others less so.”

 “In the last year alone, for example, at least 17 Iraqi journalists have been executed. Many more journalists and media workers around the world suffer from intimidation, death threats and violence. Nine out of 10 cases go unpunished.”

“As a result, criminals are emboldened. People are scared to speak out about corruption, political repression or other violations of human rights. This must stop. That is why the United Nations declared 2 November as the International Day to end impunity for crimes against journalists,” he opined dedicating the day to journalists around the world.

He added that the UN has an action plan in order to help create a safe environment for journalists and media workers everywhere. “By ending impunity, we deepen freedom of expression and bolster dialogue. We advance human rights and strengthen societies.”

No journalist anywhere should have to risk their life to report the news. Together, let us stand up for journalists and stand up for justice,” he concluded.