Thursday 7th November, 2024
Time: 11:15 am – 1:00 pm (EAT)
Location: African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa
November 2nd is the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI), which draws attention to the level of impunity for crimes against journalists. According to the UNESCO Observatory of Killed Journalists, over 1,700 journalists have been killed around the world between 2006-2024.
The Global Commemoration of this day took place at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, hosted by the AU and co-organized by UNESCO and the AU. The event was held from the 6-7 November under the theme of Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies.
November 7th was a global “Day of Action”, where the Media Freedom Coalition, along with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Addis Ababa showcased collaborative methods of protecting media freedom. The MFC – a partnership of 51 states that work together to promote media freedom at home and abroad – just marked its fifth anniversary. Since its formation it has become an important platform for governments to work with civil society, legal experts, UNESCO and others to advance the safety of journalists. This session showcased what has been done – and what is possible – when these actors collaborate through the MFC. It also brought to light the role embassies can play, with examples from Africa and beyond, including coordinated advocacy, trial monitoring, and funding for media programmes.
Opening Remarks
- Dr. Ferdinand von Weyhe: Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy, Addis Ababa.
Moderator
Nompilo Simanje: Africa Advocacy and Partnerships Lead, International Press Institute
Speakers
- Etornam Maabla Macarthy: Assistant Programme Officer, Ministry of Information Accra, Ghana
- William Holton: Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Mission to the African Union
- Catherine Anite: member of the High Level Panel of Legal Experts and Founding Director of the Freedom of Expression Hub in Uganda
- Dr Tabani Moyo: Regional Secretariat Director (MISA) & Executive Director (MISA Zimbabwe)
- Fitihawok Yewondwossen: Chairperson of the General Assembly of the Editors’ Guild of Ethiopia and Vice President of the Eastern Africa Editors’ Society
