For the second consecutive year, conflict zones have remained perilous for journalists and media workers, with at least 68 killed in 2024, according to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
UNESCO’s latest data reveals that over 60% of these deaths 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,” said 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.”
The report highlights that 42 journalists were killed in conflict zones this year, with Palestine reporting the highest toll of 18 fatalities. Other countries, including Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan, also recorded multiple deaths, underscoring the severe risks faced by journalists in violent and unstable regions.
This trend mirrors the alarming pattern observed in 2023, with more journalists killed in conflict zones over the past two years than at any time since 2016-2017.
Despite the dangers in conflict areas, the overall number of journalist killings declined slightly in 2024. Non-conflict zones saw a notable reduction, with 26 journalists killed – the lowest figure in 16 years. The decline was particularly pronounced in Latin America and the Caribbean, where fatalities dropped from 43 in 2022 to 12 in 2024.
This suggests some progress in mitigating threats against journalists in peacetime, especially in regions historically troubled by violence against the press.
UNESCO’s data, sourced from leading international press freedom organizations, is rigorously verified, with cases excluded if deaths are deemed unrelated to journalism. However, dozens of cases remain under review, and the agency continues to monitor developments.
Beyond tracking fatalities, UNESCO actively works to protect journalists through initiatives like the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
In addition to physical risks, journalists now face growing financial and legal pressures. UNESCO reported a 42% rise in attacks on journalists covering environmental issues between 2019 and 2024, reflecting the evolving challenges for the press.
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote press freedom, UNESCO calls on the global community to strengthen protections for journalists, ensuring the pursuit of truth does not come at the ultimate price.
