68 journalists killed in 2024: UNESCO

New Delhi, Dec 13: Journalists are increasingly at risk, especially in conflict zones, with at least 68 killed while working in 2024, according to a new report from UNESCO.

This is the second consecutive year where conflict areas have proven especially deadly for media professionals, highlighting the dangers of reporting in unstable regions. Around 60% of this year’s journalist deaths happened in war-torn areas, the highest percentage in more than a decade.

UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay highlighted the critical role journalists play during crises, stating, “Reliable information is vital in conflict situations. It is unacceptable that journalists pay with their lives for this work.”

She called on all countries to take stronger measures to protect media workers in line with international laws.

The report revealed that 42 journalists were killed in conflict zones, with Palestine recording the highest toll of 18 deaths. Some of the most dangerous countries for media persons are presently Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan, highlighting the hazards faced by journalists in regions marked by violence and instability.

Despite the alarming situation in conflict zones, the total number of journalist killings dropped slightly compared to previous years. The report suggests that in non-conflict areas, 26 journalists were killed in 2024, the lowest figure in 16 years that includes Latin America and the Caribbean, where journalist deaths fell sharply from 43 in 2022 to just 12 this year.

UNESCO’s data, gathered and verified with the help of international press freedom organisations, only includes cases directly linked to journalism.

UNESCO works on the ground and takes several steps for the safety of the journalists. UNESCO actively promotes safer environments for journalists. However, the challenges are growing. In addition to physical dangers, journalists now face increasing legal, financial, and digital threats.

UNESCO also reported a 42% increase in attacks on journalists covering environmental issues between 2019 and 2024, highlighting how the nature of risks is shifting.

Journalism mostly have been working in difficult situations, especially in times of crisis and conflict. Reporters on the ground often work in chaotic and life-threatening conditions to deliver the truth.

There are several stories where news-gathers have become news themselves. From war zones to natural disasters, they put themselves in harm’s way to document events that shape the world’s understanding of crises. These media reports often become the basis of historical periodicals and even help the lawmakers and judiciary to understand the situation at ground zero.

In several regions of political instability or authoritarian rule, the risks multiply as journalists are targeted for exposing corruption, violence, or human rights abuses.

Journalists continue to uphold their commitment to informing the public, despite facing perilous situations at times, often walking a razor’s edge between life and death.

However, as the risks grow, so does the urgent need for stronger protections and global solidarity to safeguard press freedom and the individuals who dedicate their lives to it.

UNESCO’s call for action resonates as a reminder and solidarity with the working journalists in the field that truth must not come at the ultimate cost of journalists’ lives.

It is the collective role of the society; international community to act decisively to ensure that media workers can perform their crucial role without fear or fatal consequences.