Qamishlo - Today, Sunday, November 2, marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. On this occasion, UNESCO renews its call to take all necessary measures to ensure proper investigations into crimes committed against journalists, and to identify, prosecute, and convict the perpetrators.

Coinciding with this international day, the Free Media Union and the Human Rights Organization in Syria held a press conference in Qamishlo, where they issued a joint statement calling for accountability and justice for all perpetrators of crimes against journalists in conflict zones.

The statement read: “On this international day, first adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 18, 2013, we remind the world of the alarming levels of impunity for crimes committed against journalists, which remain high globall- especially in armed conflict zones, where journalists often become targets for warring parties seeking to conceal the truth and cover up violations.”

The statement emphasized that the absence of effective legal protection and accountability mechanisms has made impunity a widespread phenomenon, threatening the safety of journalists and restricting their ability to convey the truth. It further violates human rights, public freedoms, and the fundamental principles of journalist protection.

According to UNESCO data, between 2006 and 2024, more than 1,700 journalists were killed worldwide, with an impunity rate of 86% for these crimes. This reflects the severity of the situation regarding justice, freedom of expression, and victims’ rights, and contributes to obscuring facts and concealing violations and corruption.

 

"The Situation in Syria"

According to the statement, this day comes as Syria continues to suffer one of the world’s longest-running humanitarian crises and armed conflicts, now in its 14th year. The Syrian people have endured massive infrastructure destruction and repeated human rights violations.

 “With the ongoing impunity for crimes committed, the risks faced by journalists have multiplied due to the complex environment, political contradictions, and repeated threats from multiple actors. Many journalists have risked their lives, while others were forced to flee the country seeking asylum.”

 

Free Media Union Documentation 2025

Six Syrian journalists were killed while covering events, in addition to foreign journalists targeted by a drone strike near the Tishrin Dam. Several cases of assault and intimidation were recorded, as well as seven arrests and six cases of denied coverage, reflecting the absence of a clear legal framework for journalist protection. The union also documented incidents of media incitement and hate speech with sectarian and ethnic undertones in certain outlets, which undermined the neutrality of journalistic work.

The Free Media Union’s statement called for: Activating political will to ensure the implementation of UN resolutions and protect journalists’ safety.

Establishing an independent mechanism to monitor and investigate violations against journalists in conflict zones.

Supporting a free and safe media environment that strengthens the role of journalism in justice and reconciliation.

Respecting the role of journalists and correspondents in conflict areas.

Promoting reforms in international judicial mechanisms to protect journalists and create a binding international instrument.

Enhancing compliance with international humanitarian law, investigating violations, and holding perpetrators accountable.

Launching global campaigns to raise awareness on journalist protection and ending impunity.

Reinforcing adherence to professional ethics and combating hate speech and sectarianism in media.

The statement concluded by reaffirming that the protection of journalists is the cornerstone for building a free and just society based on truth.

 “We, in the Committee for Fact-Finding on Crimes Committed against Journalists, in cooperation with the Free Media Union, the Human Rights Organization in Syria, and a group of lawyers and independent journalists, renew our commitment to defending press freedom and achieving justice for journalists in Syria and around the world.”