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Statement by the Co-Chairs of the Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists in New York, 2nd November 2025.

On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, we reiterate our commitment to the rights of freedom of opinion and expression, as well as access to and freedom to seek, receive and impart information. We will continue to champion free, independent and pluralistic journalism.

In the face of increasing threats to media freedom worldwide, we stand firmly in defense of the rights of all journalists and media workers to deliver accurate, free and independent reporting, expose injustices and demand accountability – without having to risk their safety.

According to UNESCO data, over 80 journalists have been killed so far this year. Journalists should never, under any circumstances, be targeted. We call for full and transparent investigations to determine the circumstances of these tragic killings. As impunity for attacks against journalists remains one of the greatest challenges to their safety, ensuring accountability for crimes committed against them is a key element in preventing future attacks.

This year, we also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2222. We continue to reaffirm the need to ensure the protection of safety and rights of journalists and media workers in situations of armed conflict. We condemn in the strongest terms the killings of journalists and media workers, who are considered civilians under international humanitarian law, and must be protected as such.

Human rights apply equally both online and offline. We condemn all violations and abuses of human rights committed against journalists and media workers, whether online or offline. They are exposed to an unprecedented level of harassment, reprisals, attacks and violence with far-reaching implications for the freedom of the press. The level of impunity remains alarmingly high, with perpetrators rarely held accountable. We call on online platforms to do more to address this.  

Women journalists and media workers are particularly and disproportionately affected, especially due to technology-facilitated gender-based violence, raising our deep concerns. Artificial intelligence and digital related threats, including deepfakes, non-consensual online dissemination of intimate images, automated sexual harassment campaigns, incitement to hatred and smear campaigns that discredit their work, further exacerbate the situation. Moreover, technology-facilitated gender-based violence creates a chilling effect, forcing women journalists to self-censor, abandon certain stories, or leave the profession. We must act to ensure that artificial intelligence, which may serve as a helpful tool, does not become an instrument for silencing voices and undermining press freedom.

We urge all Member States to ensure the full implementation of UN resolutions on the protection of journalists, as well as of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, which was developed under the auspices of UNESCO and endorsed by the UN system. We also invite all member states to support this year’s iteration of the UNGA Third Committee Resolution on the “Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity”.