The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is a UN -recognised day, usually observed on 2nd November of every year. The date was set aside to commemorate the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on 2nd November, 2013.
Noting that Journalists are usually subjected to so many threats, harassment and unwholesome attacks, the UNESCO has observed that the impunity leads to more killings and is often a consequence of worsening conflicts and the breakdown of law and order, coupled with poor judicial system in our societies.
In view of the foregoing observations, the Vice President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone B (South West, Nigeria), Comrade Ronke Samo, in a release made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, has called for adequate protection of journalists across the globe especially while carrying out their lawful duties. Just as she equally advised the concerned authorities to make concrete efforts to implement the resolutions/recommendations of the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 which urged Member States to implement definite measures to counter the culture of impunity against journalists.
Samo noted that, Journalists, as the watchdogs of the society, play a pivotal role in promoting and preserving good governance which leads to a sustainable democracy and fosters a sane environment, free of rancour and prejudice.
She therefore, advocated for “a special protection and respect for media practitioners in adherence to constitutional provision’s to ensure their safety while discharging their duties for the benefit of the society”. Samo noted also that “citizens also need to understand the crucial role of the media as the fourth estate of the realm that must be trusted to clarify goals of the society, while government should ensure that all perpetrators of crimes committed against media practitioners are brought to book to curb impunity and oppression against journalists”.