The UN General Assembly established this day through resolution 68/163 in December 2013. November 2 was chosen to commemorate French journalists Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, killed in Mali on that date in 2013, following sustained advocacy from press freedom groups, notably the IFEX network. The day reminds governments of their obligation to investigate and prosecute crimes against journalists and media workers. UNESCO data shows that the vast majority of journalist killings worldwide remain judicially unresolved, entrenching a culture of impunity that undermines press freedom and independence. Media and human rights organizations mark the day with awareness campaigns, the release of annual reports on journalist safety, and tributes to those who lost their lives while reporting.