Safety of Journalists: IPC Calls for Action on International Day to End Impunity

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Today, November 2, 2024, marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, a day dedicated to highlighting the importance of protecting journalists and ensuring their safety while reporting. The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, joins the global community in calling for an end to impunity for crimes against journalists.

A Disturbing Reality in Nigeria

The IPC expresses concern over the precarious situation of journalists in Nigeria, where attacks on the media and journalists during crises and emergencies remain unaddressed. The recent #EndBadGovernance protests and previous ones, such as #EndSars, have seen a surge in attacks on journalists, with perpetrators rarely brought to justice. This culture of impunity reigns, while Nigeria ranks high among countries where press freedom and freedom of expression are constantly under threat.

Alarming Statistics

The IPC’s Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub has documented over 40 incidents of physical assault, harassment, threat to life, torture, kidnapping, unlawful arrest/detention, and loss/damage of valuables and gadgets involving over 65 journalists and media professionals within the past nine months. The highest number of cases was recorded in August during the ‘End Bad Governance Protest’.

Call to Action

The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, emphasizes the need for media stakeholders to work together to create a safe and enabling environment for journalists. “We cannot turn a blind eye to attacks against journalists… Acts of intimidation and violence against journalists in Nigeria have to end for democracy to survive.”

Mr. Arogundade urges the Presidency to investigate unresolved cases of attacks on journalists and calls on the Inspector General of Police to disclose efforts made to unravel the mystery behind killed journalists in Nigeria.

UNESCO’s Concerns

According to UNESCO, between 2006 and 2024, over 1,700 journalists have been killed worldwide, with close to 9 out of 10 cases remaining judicially unresolved ¹. The organization stresses that impunity damages societies by covering up human rights abuses, corruption, and crime.

As we commemorate this important day, let us remember the crucial role journalists play in preserving democracy and the importance of protecting their rights and safety.

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