By Syed Bilal Izzat, General Secretary, RIUJ
On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, we stand in solidarity with media professionals around the globe who have faced threats, intimidation, and violence for simply doing their jobs. As the General Secretary of the Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), I call upon authorities, governments, and international bodies to reaffirm their commitment to protect journalists and to bring those who harm them to justice.
The date, November 2nd, is not just a reminder but a clarion call for urgent action. Journalists are often the targets of repressive tactics and outright aggression because they carry the torch of truth, transparency, and accountability. The chilling effect of crimes against media workers not only silences individual voices but also threatens the fundamental right to freedom of expression that underpins democratic societies.
The statistics are grim and unsettling. According to the United Nations, in the past fourteen years, close to 1,200 journalists have been killed for reporting the news and informing the public. What is even more disconcerting is that in nine out of ten cases, the killers go unpunished. This impunity emboldens the perpetrators and can lead to more killings, creating a vicious cycle that must be broken.
In Pakistan, our journalism community is all too familiar with these perils. Brave souls like President RIUJ Workers Jahangir Aslam ARY News, who survived an attempt on his life, serve as stark reminders of the risks taken by journalists. On this day, we remember and honor those we have lost and reinvigorate our resolve to protect the living.
To end the cycle of violence and impunity, we need concrete measures:
- Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Governments should create and enforce laws that provide special protections for journalists, recognizing the vital role they play in a free society.
- Prompt Investigation and Prosecution: There must be immediate and transparent investigations into crimes against journalists, and diligent prosecution of those responsible.
- Support from Civil Society: NGOs and international organizations need to keep the spotlight on cases of violence against journalists, offering support and demanding accountability.
- Solidarity among Journalists: As media professionals, we must unite in our efforts to protect our colleagues and our profession. The RIUJ is committed to offering support and advocacy for journalists facing threats.
- Public Awareness: Educating citizens about the importance of journalism in safeguarding democracy is essential. The public’s demand for justice is a powerful force.
This International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is not only about reflection; it is about action. We cannot allow the silence that follows violence to become the norm. The cost of inaction is far too high – for individual journalists, for the profession, and for the very fabric of our democratic societies.
The RIUJ calls upon all stakeholders to play their part in creating a safer environment for journalists. We must remember that every voice silenced by violence is a story left untold, a community left in the shadows, and a violation of the public’s right to know.
It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the pen, the camera, and the microphone are mightier than the sword. On this day, let us pledge to work tirelessly until impunity for crimes against journalists is no more a bleak reality but a relic of the past
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