UNESCO: 2024 – A Deadly Year for Journalists and Media Workers with 68 Fatalities
UNESCO has reported that 2024 was an exceptionally dangerous year for journalists and media professionals, with at least 68 losing their lives while carrying out their work. This marks the second consecutive year of alarmingly high fatalities among media workers, following a similar trend in 2023. These two years have witnessed the highest number of journalist deaths in conflicts and wars since the 2016-2017 period.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed deep concern, emphasizing that reliable information is crucial for populations affected by conflicts and crises. “It is unacceptable that journalists lose their lives in pursuit of the truth. I urge all nations to take decisive measures to ensure the safety of media workers in accordance with international law,” she stated.
Conflict Zones Remain Deadly for Journalists
In 2024, 60% of the killings occurred in countries experiencing conflicts and wars, making it the deadliest year for journalists in the past decade. Of the 68 journalists killed, 42 lost their lives in conflict zones. Palestine recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 18 journalists killed. Other dangerous regions included Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan, where escalating violence has significantly increased risks for journalists.
A Slight Decline in Non-Conflict Zone Fatalities
While conflict zones remain perilous, the total number of journalist killings worldwide declined slightly in 2024. Deaths in non-conflict areas dropped to 26, the lowest number in 16 years. Latin America and the Caribbean saw notable progress, with journalist deaths declining from 43 in 2022 to 12 in 2024, signaling improvement in addressing threats to media workers in peacetime.
Growing Challenges Beyond Physical Threats
Beyond physical dangers, journalists face growing financial and legal pressures. UNESCO noted a 42% rise in attacks on journalists reporting on environmental issues between 2019 and 2024, underscoring the evolving risks faced by media professionals.
UNESCO’s Commitment to Press Freedom
UNESCO continues to monitor and verify cases of journalist killings in collaboration with international press freedom organizations. The agency excludes cases where journalist deaths cannot be conclusively linked to their work. However, dozens of cases remain under review, and UNESCO is closely monitoring developments.
In addition to tracking fatalities, UNESCO implements initiatives such as the UN Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists and works to combat impunity for crimes against media workers. The organization remains committed to press freedom and calls on the global community to strengthen protections for journalists to ensure they do not pay the ultimate price for uncovering the truth.
As the risks to media workers evolve, UNESCO urges collective action to safeguard their lives and uphold the vital role of journalism in society.
