[New publication] International investigative body proposed to combat impunity for journalist killings

A new report by the Asser Institute and the Center for International Criminal Justice (VU Amsterdam) proposes the establishment of an International Investigative Support Body (IISB) to respond to the murders of journalists and support national and international investigative efforts.

Journalism remains a dangerous profession. Since 1993, over 1700 journalists have been killed in the context of, or as reprisal for their work. The vast majority of those responsible for these deaths have not faced legal consequences: 86-95% of cases of journalists killed remain unsolved. Efforts to address this rampant impunity have largely failed due to multi-layered challenges, including political obstruction, weak institutions, and limited technical capacity for effective investigations. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive and context-sensitive response.

The report evaluates existing national and international mechanisms aimed at combating impunity. It highlights that while some national initiatives, such as specialised prosecutors, have achieved limited success, their impact is often undermined by fragile political support. Regional and international human rights bodies, though less influenced by domestic politics, have had minimal impact due to their broad mandates and the scale of the problem. Much of the tangible progress has been driven by civil society through supporting victims' families, conducting cold case investigations, strategic litigation, and advocacy. Despite efforts to improve the safety of journalists and ensure accountability for serious crimes against them, the problem remains persistent.

Investigative assistance
To address these gaps, the report proposes establishing an ‘International Investigative Support Body’ (IISB). This entity would provide investigative assistance to national and international bodies mandated to conduct human rights and criminal investigations, and conduct remote independent collection, storage, and analysis of evidence. The IISB could also support or lead capacity-building efforts, including a longer-term mentoring role in selected jurisdictions, support documentation/monitoring of the progress of investigations, and take part in strategic litigation and advocacy efforts.

The report outlines options for the IISB’s structure, mandate, and establishment, offering recommendations to the Media Freedom Coalition Executive Group and other stakeholders committed to protecting freedom of expression.

The report was commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the research was conducted by Gabriele Chlevickaite (Asser Institute) and Maarten Bolhuis (VU Amsterdam).

Read the full report. 

Read more
Confronting impunity and safeguarding journalists
A new video features the Hague Closing Plenary of the 2024 annual meeting of the American Society of International Law (ASIL). The plenary, convened by Asser Institute researcher Gabriele Chlevickaite, reviewed efforts to fight impunity for journalist attacks, including cyber threats, intimidation, and prosecution challenges. Watch it now.

[Forum of Legal Actors] Supporting and defending the right to freedom of expression and the safety of journalists
In 2022, the Asser Institute hosted the Forum of Legal Actors for Freedom of Expression, which discussed the state of freedom of expression and the protection of journalists in Africa and Latin America. The global network aims to support and defend the right to freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. Read more.

About Gabriele Chleickaite
Dr Gabriele Chlevickaite is an international criminal law researcher at the Asser Institute, where she coordinates international criminal law-related projects and conducts research into fact-finding in international criminal investigations and prosecutions. She is part of the Asser Institute research strand ‘In the public interest: accountability of the state and the prosecution of crimes’, which examines state accountability and international crime prosecution. It also focuses on the role of journalists, digital media, human rights NGOs, and academics in protecting and promoting public interest standards.

Dr Gabrielė Chlevickaitė