At least 68 journalists lost their lives in 2024 while carrying out their work, according to a report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
The report highlights that over 60 percent of these killings occurred in conflict zones, marking the highest percentage in more than a decade.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, in a statement on Thursday, condemned the killings and called for urgent action to protect journalists.
“Reliable information is vital in conflict situations to help affected populations and to enlighten the world,” Azoulay said. “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 revealed that 42 journalists were killed in conflict zones this year. Palestine recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 18 deaths. Other conflict-affected regions, including Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan, also experienced multiple journalist deaths.
This marks a disturbing trend, as more journalists have died in conflict zones over the past two years than during any comparable period since 2016-2017.
Despite the grim statistics, the overall number of journalist killings has decreased slightly in 2024. In non-conflict areas, the number of deaths dropped to 26 – the lowest in 16 years.
Latin America and the Caribbean showed notable improvement, with journalist killings dropping from 43 in 2022 to 12 in 2024. This indicates progress in protecting media workers in regions previously marked by high levels of violence.
The report also highlighted new challenges faced by journalists, including financial and legal pressures. Attacks on journalists covering environmental issues have risen by 42 percent between 2019 and 2024, reflecting the changing nature of threats.
UNESCO’s data, sourced from international press freedom organisations, is rigorously verified. While the organisation excludes cases unrelated to journalism, several deaths are still 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.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the organisation has called on the international community to strengthen protections for media workers.
“The quest for truth should not come at the ultimate cost,” Azoulay emphasized.
