For the second consecutive year, conflict zones have remained exceptionally dangerous for journalists and media professionals, with at least 68 killed in 2024, according to a report by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The report reveals that over 60% of these fatalities occurred in conflict-affected countries, marking the highest proportion in more than a decade.
“Reliable information is crucial in conflict situations to support affected populations and inform the global community,” stated UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay in a statement on Thursday. “It is unacceptable that journalists pay with their lives for this essential work. I urge all states to intensify efforts to protect media workers in line with international law.”
Of the 68 journalists killed this year, 42 lost their lives in conflict zones. Palestine reported the highest number of fatalities at 18, while Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan also recorded multiple deaths. This highlights the severe dangers faced by journalists operating in violent and unstable regions.
The 2024 figures reflect a continuation of the alarming trend from 2023, during which journalist fatalities in conflict zones surged, marking the highest totals since 2016-2017.
However, there has been a slight overall decline in the number of journalist killings compared to previous years. Non-conflict zones recorded 26 journalist deaths, the lowest figure in 16 years. This reduction was particularly noticeable in Latin America and the Caribbean, where journalist fatalities dropped from 43 in 2022 to 12 in 2024. The decline suggests some progress in protecting journalists in peacetime, particularly in regions historically plagued by violence against the press.
UNESCO’s findings are based on data from leading international press freedom organizations and are rigorously verified. Cases where deaths are deemed unrelated to journalism are excluded, although several cases remain under review.
In addition to tracking fatalities, UNESCO actively implements initiatives like the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, working to safeguard media workers worldwide.
The report also highlights new challenges for journalists beyond physical threats. Financial and legal pressures have increased, alongside a 42% rise in attacks on journalists reporting on environmental issues between 2019 and 2024.
UNESCO continues to call on the global community to reinforce protections for journalists, ensuring that the pursuit of truth does not come at the cost of lives.
Comments are closed.