International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists 2026

Monday, November 2, 2026

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists 2026

Advocating for a Safe and Free Press

The freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democratic societies, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, journalists around the world face threats and violence, often with little consequence for their perpetrators. The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists seeks to address this critical issue.

The Significance of the Day

November 2 is observed as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. Proclaimed by the United Nations, this day focuses on addressing the urgent need to protect journalists and bring those who harm them to justice. It’s a day to stand up for the right to freedom of expression and to honor those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth.

Journalism and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The SDGs, particularly Goal 16, emphasize peace, justice, and strong institutions. A free and safe press is vital for achieving these goals. Journalists play a key role in exposing corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental issues, contributing to informed and engaged societies.

Activities and Events for 2026

Safety Workshops: Training sessions for journalists on safety measures and risk management in hostile environments.

Webinars and Panel Discussions: Engaging conversations with journalists, legal experts, and human rights advocates about the challenges in reporting and the importance of a free press.

Memorial Exhibitions: Honoring journalists who have lost their lives, showcasing their work and stories.

Online Resources: Providing access to reports, safety guidelines, and advocacy tools for journalists and the public.

Engage and Participate

Supporting press freedom and the safety of journalists is a shared responsibility:

Stay Informed: Understand the challenges faced by journalists and the importance of press freedom.

Advocate: Raise awareness about the plight of journalists and support campaigns against impunity.

Support: Contribute to organizations working for the protection and rights of journalists.

A Day of Remembrance and Action

The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is a day of remembrance, but also a day of action. It’s a call to ensure that journalists can work safely and without fear, as their role is essential for the health of any society.

Join in marking this important day in 2026, as we strive to create a world where every journalist can report freely and safely.

World Mental Health Day Themes

Year Theme Description
2019 Suicide Prevention – “40 Seconds of Action” Raised awareness of suicide as a public health issue, encouraged people to take action in support of suicide prevention, and reduce stigma around mental health.
2020 Mental Health for All: Greater Investment — Greater Access Highlighted the global need for increased investment in mental health services, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on access to care.
2021 Mental Health in an Unequal World Focused on reducing inequalities in access to mental health care and emphasized the need to make mental health services available for all, especially marginalized populations.
2022 Make Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority Called for greater efforts globally to improve mental health outcomes and make mental well-being an essential part of public health priorities.
2023 Mental Health is a Universal Human Right Affirmed that good mental health is a fundamental right and promoted equal access to care, inclusion, and protection from harm for everyone.
2024 It's Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace Focused on improving mental health at work by promoting healthy environments, preventing burnout, and supporting workers’ well-being across all sectors.
2025 Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies Emphasized integrating mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into emergency responses for people affected by crises like conflicts, disasters, and displacement.