UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation says for the second consecutive year, conflict zones have proven dangerous for journalists and media workers, with 2024 seeing at least 68 deaths in the line of duty.
More than 60 per cent of these killings occurred in countries experiencing conflict – the highest percentage in over a decade, according to UNESCO new data.
“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, following international law,” she added.
The report highlights that 42 journalists were killed in conflict zones this year, including 18 in Palestine, which recorded the highest toll.
Other countries such as Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan also saw multiple fatalities, underscoring the heightened risks in regions marked by violence and instability.
UNESCO has reported a 42 percent 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.
