According to the 2023 Global Impunity Index of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Haiti ranks 3rd globally among countries where impunity in the killing of journalists is greatest, behind Syria and the Somalia.

Haiti has become one of the countries where the murderers of journalists are most likely to escape justice. A combination of gang violence, chronic poverty, political instability and a dysfunctional justice system is behind Haiti's first inclusion on CPJ's annual list of countries where the murderers get away with complete impunity.

Conflict, corruption, insurgency, poor law enforcement, and lack of political interest in punishing those willing to kill independent journalists are all reasons why these countries do not prosecute the murderers of journalists.

As impunity takes hold, it demonstrates an indifference that could embolden future assassins and undermine independent journalism, as alarmed journalists flee their countries, reduce coverage, or leave the profession altogether.

This year's index records 261 journalists murdered in the course of their work between September 1st, 2013 – the year the United Nations declared November 2nd the "International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists" and August 31, 2023. We note that during these 10 years, no assassin was held accountable in 204 cases (78%).

Unpunished killings have an intimidating effect on local journalists around the world, undermining press freedom and reducing public interest reporting.

*International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Committed against Journalists (November 2nd, 2023).

HL/ HaitiLibre