International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (2 November 2025)

On International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, which France initiated at the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to press freedom and the protection of journalists all over the world.

In an international context of increasing attacks on the freedom to inform, and of disinformation and growing pressures on independent media organizations, France pays tribute to those who risk their lives to defend everyone's basic right to free, plural and reliable information.

France praises the courage of all those doing their job in difficult conditions, in particular in conflict zones, with a special thought for the family and close friends of photojournalist Antoni Lallican, killed on 3 October 2025 during a Russian drone strike while he was covering the war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine since 2022. France utterly condemns this attack and asks that full light be shed on the circumstances of his death.

The fight against impunity for crimes committed against journalists remains a priority of French diplomatic action. France fully supports the United Nations' mechanisms, particularly the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, and calls for its enhanced implementation. It also supports the initiatives of the International Partnership for Information and Democracy launched in 2019, and the Council of Europe's Platform to promote the protection of journalism and the safety of journalists.

At European level, France is working actively for the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act adopted in 2024, which aims to bolster editorial independence, media transparency and the protection of journalists against political and economic pressures.

France will continue its resolute action with its European and international partners to guarantee the safety of journalists, particularly women journalists, independent journalists in authoritarian States, and reporters in theatres of operation.

It will continue to champion, throughout the world, the right to inform, be informed and express critical opinions, both online and offline - conditions essential for democratic debate and lasting peace.