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INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY

MEDIA FACT SHEET

daytoendimpunity.org

Twitter: @IFEX #IDEI

 

im·pu·ni·ty \ im-’pyü-n -te \

n. without punishment,
without consequences

Countless citizens, artists, bloggers, musicians and journalists have been harassed, threatened, tortured, intimidated, jailed and worse for exercising their basic human right to free expression. In the past 10 years, more than 500 journalists have been killed. Most of these crimes have gone unpunished.

What is the International Day to End Impunity?

The International Day to End Impunity was launched by IFEX on 23 November 2011. It is a day dedicated to demanding justice for those who have been targeted for exercising their right to freedom of expression, and shedding light on the issue of impunity.

What is the focus of the 2012 International Day to End Impunity?

In 2012, IFEX is highlighting the culture of impunity by profiling individuals who have been the target of threats, violent attacks, torture and blackmail, where international attention could provide a measure of protection. The campaign encompasses all types of free expression, including activists, artists, cartoonists, filmmakers, journalists, human rights defenders, musicians, social media users, and writers.

What is the aim of the International Day to End Impunity campaign?

The aim of the day is to raise public awareness about impunity, and to showcase the important work free expression organisations around the world have been doing to fight for justice and freedom of expression for all.

Why 23 November?

This day marks the anniversary of the 2009 Ampatuan massacre, the single deadliest incident for journalists in recent history, in which 58 people — including 32 journalists and media workers — were murdered in the Philippines.

What is planned for the campaign in 2012?

Campaign activities include:

  • 23 Actions in 23 Days: Each day from 1 to 23 November we will feature different individuals who have been targeted for expressing themselves. Each feature will be accompanied by a different call to action — from signing a petition, to sending a letter, to tweeting at the authorities — all of which demand an end to impunity.
  • Break the Silence, an online game: This interactive maze allows users to get a snapshot of what it is like to be threatened for exercising their right to free expression.
  • Interactive event map: Our map will highlight different events and activities taking place around the world for International Day to End Impunity.
  • Editorial cartoon contest: After a popular vote on Facebook, an expert panel will judge entries and award a prize for the top editorial cartoons on the theme of impunity.

To find out more about what events are taking place in your region, check out the interactive map at daytoendimpunity.org/events.

What is impunity?

When someone acts with impunity, it means that their actions have no consequences. Intimidation, threats, attacks and murders go unpunished.

What is the impact of impunity?

A culture of impunity creates a climate of injustice and insecurity for those practising their right to freedom of expression. A culture of impunity leads to a world where people are afraid to speak out. Where criticism is stifled. Where the hard questions don’t get asked. Where the powerful don’t get challenged. The result is a world where free expression is silenced.

Who organizes the International Day to End Impunity?

IFEX and its network of free expression organisations around the world.

What is IFEX?

IFEX is the global network defending and promoting free expression. The IFEX network of over 80 member organisations is connected by a common commitment to defend and promote freedom of expression as a fundamental human right and advocates for the free expression rights of all, including media workers, citizen journalists, bloggers, artists, musicians, activists, scientists and scholars.

How the media can help fight impunity

  • It can thwart the perpetrators’ goals: Publicity about the facts of impunity cases is exactly what perpetrators don’t want: they commit their crimes to try to silence people. Covering these cases — and the true motivations behind the crimes — is one way to ensure that the perpetrators don’t succeed in their efforts.
  • It can protect people under threat: We need to exercise caution, but in many cases, greater public attention — especially international attention — can offer some measure of protection to those who have been attacked and to those under threat.
  • It can prompt reluctant authorities to act: It is easier for corrupt or unconcerned authorities to avoid investigating cases properly when no-one is paying attention to what they are — or are not — doing. Media attention that includes asking authorities what they are doing about a case can be an effective way to exert pressure on them to act.

How IFEX can help you:

The IFEX website is a central resource for information and updates on free expression violations, campaigns events and activities from around the world.

We can also put you directly in touch with IFEX member organizations whose expertise in the issues and first-hand experience working on the frontlines can help you locate images and other resources for your story.

Contact us:

Email: info@daytoendimpunity.org

Stay Connected:

Website: http://daytoendimpunity.org

Twitter: @IFEX #IDEI

Facebook: International.Day.to.End.Impunity


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