Today is International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
The day set aside in December 2013, by the United Nations General Assembly, is celebrated on November two every year in commemoration of the assassination in Mali of Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont, two French journalists, on second November 2013.
The EU is actively engaged in protecting the independence and safety of journalists, as a crucial component in the proper democratic functioning of its institutions and member states.
Speaking on the essence of the day, the chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, said the day aims at preventing all attacks and violence againstjournalists, media workersand also ensure accountability, bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against journalists, and confirm that victims have access to appropriate remedies.
While frowning on the increasing number of attacks and threats against journalists across the globe,Dr. Odogwu asked the federal government to ensure adequate protection of journalists and media workers from threats to their lives and make sure that the victims get access to the required remedies.
UN selected this date because two French journalists Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon were killed while reporting in Mali on November 2nd, 2013.
He also called for creation of a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers, both in conflict and non-conflict situations, with a view to strengthening peace, democracy and development worldwide.
Correspondent Ebele Ezeh, who reports that over twelve journalists have been assassinated between 2006 and 2020 according to statistics by the United Nations for just doing their job, also noted that today is also All Souls Day.
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