International Day to End Impunity
| International Day to End Impunity | |
|---|---|
 International Day to End Impunity poster | |
| Observed by | Worldwide |
| Date | 23 November |
| Next time | 23 November 2015 |
| Frequency | annual |
The International Day to End Impunity (IDEI) is marked annually on 23 November by advocates for free expression. The day is meant to raise awareness of, and demand justice for, artists, journalists, musicians, writers and free expression advocates around the world who are persecuted for exercising their right to free expression.[1][2]
23 November is the anniversary of the 2009 Ampatuan massacre (also known as the Maguindanao massacre) in the Philippines, when 57 individuals were murdered, including 32 journalists and media workers. The massacre is the single deadliest attack against journalists to have taken place.
History
IFEX (the global network defending and promoting free expression) declared 23 November as the International Day to End Impunity in 2011. During the 2011 campaign, 1,643 letters were sent to 11 different governments, and the day received media coverage in 31 countries.[3]
The Philippine Senate passed resolution 642 in 2011, which declared 23 November as a National Day to End Impunity. The resolution references both the Ampatuan massacre, as well as the International Day to End Impunity.[4]
The UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression,[5] Frank La Rue, welcomed the declaration of the International Day to End Impunity in his report to the Human Rights Council on 4 June 2012.[6]
Global campaign
Starting on 1 November, daily calls to action are posted on the International Day to End Impunity website, encouraging individuals to sign a petition, send a protest letter, or spread awareness through social media. Additionally, free expression organizations host various events around the world.
See also
References
- ↑ "International Day to End Impunity". Retrieved 8 November 2012.
- ↑ Greenslade, Roy (14 November 2012). "End the culture of impunity - don't let journalists' murders go unpunished". Greenslade Blog (London: The Guardian). Retrieved 17 November 2012.
- ↑ "IFEX". Retrieved 8 November 2012.
- ↑ "Resolution Declaring November 23 of Every Year to be a National Day to End Impunity". Fifteenth Congress of the Republic of the Philippines, Second Regular Session. 17 November 2011. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
- ↑ "UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression". Retrieved 8 November 2012.
- ↑ "Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue". United Nations General Assembly Human Rights Council. 4 June 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2012.