Journalism Under Siege: 68 Lives Lost in 2024
Conflicts and Emerging Risks Threaten Journalists Worldwide
Source: UN / Image: Unsplash/Engin Akyurt
For the second consecutive year, journalism has proved to be a deadly profession, with at least 68 journalists losing their lives in 2024 while performing their duties. Of these, 60% occurred in countries plagued by conflicts and wars. This marks the highest number of fatalities in nearly a decade.
UNESCO Calls for Action
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasized the critical role of reliable information in helping conflict-affected populations and raising global awareness. “It is unacceptable for journalists to pay with their lives for this essential work,” she stated, urging all nations to take steps to ensure journalists’ safety in accordance with international law.
Troubling Trends
According to a UNESCO report, 42 journalists were killed in conflict zones this year. The highest toll was recorded in Palestine, where 18 journalists lost their lives. Other countries, including Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan, also reported journalist fatalities, highlighting the heightened risks in violence-stricken and unstable regions.
The trend is alarming, with 2023 and 2024 marking the deadliest years for journalists in conflict zones since 2016-2017. While conflict areas remain a significant concern, the total number of journalist killings globally has seen a slight decline this year.
In non-conflict regions, journalist deaths dropped significantly, with 26 fatalities recorded—the lowest in 16 years. This decline was particularly noticeable in Latin America and the Caribbean, where journalist killings decreased from 43 in 2022 to 12 in 2024.
This reduction indicates some progress in mitigating threats to journalists in peaceful regions, especially in areas previously notorious for media-related violence.
#UNESCO reports that at least 68 journalists and media workers have been killed in the line of duty so far in 2024.
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) December 12, 2024
More than 60% of the killings took place in countries in conflict, the highest percentage in more than ten years.
📰 https://t.co/ezd8pYDQWE #EndImpunity pic.twitter.com/qfzCQFb7pQ
Data Verification and Challenges
UNESCO’s data comes from leading international press freedom organizations and undergoes rigorous verification to ensure accuracy. Cases where a journalist’s death is not directly linked to their professional work are excluded, though many incidents are still under review.
Beyond recording fatalities, UNESCO works actively to protect journalists and combat impunity for crimes against them. Initiatives like the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists aim to address these challenges.
Emerging Threats to Media
In addition to physical dangers, journalists face growing financial and legal pressures. Notably, attacks on journalists reporting on environmental issues increased by 42% between 2019 and 2024, reflecting the evolving nature of risks in the media industry.
UNESCO continues to advocate for press freedom and journalist safety, urging the international community to strengthen protections for media professionals. This ensures that journalists can pursue the truth without paying the ultimate price.
