This is the second year in a row that it has proved deadly for journalists, with at least 68 journalists dying while doing their jobs.
60 percent of the killings of journalists and media workers took place in conflict and war-torn countries. This is the highest number in the last decade.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay says reliable information is essential to help populations affected by conflicts, wars and crises, and to educate the world.
He said, “It is unacceptable that journalists have to sacrifice their lives for this work. I call on all countries to ensure the safety of media workers in accordance with international law.”
Worrying trend
UNESCO reported that 42 journalists were killed in conflict and war zones this year, including 18 journalists and media workers in Palestine, where the highest number of deaths was recorded.
A number of journalists have also died in other countries such as Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar and Sudan, indicating an increased risk of violence and instability.
The year 2023 also witnessed a similar sad trend with the highest number of journalists killed in conflict and war in these two years, the highest number compared to the comparable period since 2016-2017.
ray of hope
Conflict and war zones undoubtedly remain a serious concern for the safety of journalists, while the total number of journalist killings has decreased slightly this year.
There was a significant decrease in journalist deaths in areas other than conflict and war, where 26 journalists were killed. This is the lowest number in 16 years.
The decline was particularly pronounced in Latin America and the Caribbean, where journalist murders fell from 43 in 2022 to 12 in 2024.
This situation indicates some progress in peacetime efforts to address threats against journalists, particularly in areas where violence against media workers has occurred previously.
out of numbers
UNESCO receives these data from leading international press freedom organizations, which are rigorously vetted to ensure their impartiality.
If the journalist’s death is not proved to have occurred due to work related to journalistic work or in the course of work, such cases are kept out of this category. However, dozens of cases remain under review, and UNESCO continues to monitor developments closely.
UNESCO’s work extends beyond monitoring and documenting mortality.
The organization works to protect journalists through initiatives such as the United Nations Plan of Action to Protect Journalists and the promotion of impunity for actors who commit crimes against them.
Emerging threats
In addition to physical threats, journalists are facing new challenges, including financial and legal pressures.
UNESCO recorded a 42 percent increase in attacks on journalists reporting on environmental issues between 2019 and 2024, highlighting the growing nature of the risks facing the media.
UNESCO, continuing its efforts to promote press freedom and protect journalists, calls on the international community to strengthen the protection of media workers.
This will ensure that journalists do not have to pay the ultimate price for seeking the truth.