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Conflict zones continue to be deadly for journalists, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation revealed, announcing that 68 media workers have been killed in 2024 alone—a grim echo of last year’s toll.
UNESCO’s recent data reveals a concerning rise in violence against journalists, with over 60 percent of the killings happening in conflict zones—the highest share in more than ten years. This trend serves as a stark reminder of the escalating risks for media workers in war-torn regions.
“Reliable information is vital in conflict situations to help affected populations and to enlighten the world,” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, said in a statement on Thursday.
“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,” she added.
The latest UNESCO report paints a grim picture of journalism in conflict zones, confirming the deaths of 42 journalists in 2024. Palestine stands out as the most dangerous location, with 18 media workers killed in the region, the highest figure recorded.
The death toll of journalists wasn’t confined to one region alone. Countries like Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan also recorded multiple fatalities, reinforcing the growing risks for media workers in areas plagued by violence and political instability.
This disturbing trend marks a significant escalation in journalist fatalities, with 2023 and 2024 witnessing more lives lost in conflict zones than at any point since the 2016-2017 period.
While conflict zones remain a critical concern, the overall number of journalist killings decreased slightly during this year.
A notable reduction in deaths occurred in non-conflict areas, where 26 journalists were killed – the lowest figure in 16 years.
This decline was particularly evident in Latin America and the Caribbean, where journalist killings dropped from 43 in 2022 to 12 in 2024.
Read also: Israel Accuses Al-Jazeera Journalists Of Being Palestinian Militants
This suggests some progress in addressing threats against journalists in peacetime, especially in regions previously plagued by violence against media workers.
UNESCO’s data, sourced from leading international press freedom organisations, is rigorously verified to ensure impartiality.
Cases are excluded if deaths are deemed unrelated to the victims’ journalistic work. However, dozens of cases remain under review, and UNESCO continues to monitor developments closely.
The Organisation’s mandate extends beyond tracking fatalities. It works to protect journalists through initiatives such as the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
In addition to physical threats, journalists are facing new challenges, including financial and legal pressures.
UNESCO has reported a 42 per cent increase in attacks on journalists reporting on environmental issues between 2019 and 2024, highlighting the evolving nature of risks confronting the media.
As UNESCO continues its efforts to promote press freedom and safeguard journalists, the agency calls on the international community to strengthen protections for media workers – ensuring that the quest for truth does not come at the ultimate cost.
