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UNESCO: 68 journalists killed in 2024

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4 months ago

December 13, 2024

A UNESCO report has revealed that 68 journalists lost their lives in 2024, with over 60% of the deaths occurring in conflict zones, marking the highest percentage in over a decade.

The report underscores the growing risks for media professionals working in areas of instability and violence.

“Reliable information is vital in conflict situations to help affected populations and to enlighten the world,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay in a statement released Thursday. “It is unacceptable that journalists pay with their lives for this work. I call on all states to step up and ensure the protection of media workers, in accordance with international law.”

The report highlights that 42 of the journalist deaths this year occurred in conflict zones. Palestine recorded the highest toll, with 18 fatalities, while other countries, including Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan, also reported multiple deaths.

These figures reflect a troubling continuation of a pattern seen in 2023, with more journalist fatalities in conflict zones over the past two years than in any similar period since 2016-2017.

While conflict zones remain perilous, the report noted a decrease in journalist killings outside such areas. 26 journalists were killed in non-conflict zones in 2024, marking the lowest figure in 16 years.

This decline was particularly notable in Latin America and the Caribbean, where journalist killings fell sharply from 43 in 2022 to 12 in 2024, signaling some progress in addressing violence against media workers in peacetime.

Beyond physical threats, journalists face growing challenges such as financial pressures and legal harassment. UNESCO also noted a 42% increase in attacks on journalists covering environmental issues between 2019 and 2024, highlighting the evolving risks for media professionals.

UNESCO’s data is meticulously verified in collaboration with leading international press freedom organizations to ensure impartiality. Cases unrelated to journalistic work are excluded, though several remain under review.

UNESCO continues to advocate for journalist safety through initiatives like the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

“The quest for truth should never come at the ultimate cost,” the report states, urging the international community to strengthen protections for media workers.

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