68 Journalists Killed in 2024, Majority in Conflict Zones — UNESCO

Kehinde Fajobi

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has reported that 68 journalists and media workers were killed in 2024.

This marks the second consecutive year of heightened dangers for those reporting in conflict zones.

Over 60 per cent of the fatalities occurred in countries experiencing violent conflicts – the highest percentage in more than a decade.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay condemned the killings in a statement on Thursday, stressing the critical role of journalists in conflict situations.

“Reliable information is vital in conflict situations to help affected populations and to enlighten the world,” she 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, with Palestine recording the highest number of deaths at 18.

Other countries with multiple fatalities included Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan, reflecting the heightened risks in regions plagued by violence.

This year’s grim statistics continue a troubling pattern, with more journalist deaths in conflict zones recorded over the past two years than during any similar period since 2016-2017.

While conflict areas remain perilous, UNESCO noted a slight decline in overall journalist killings compared to previous years.

In non-conflict zones, 26 journalists were killed in 2024 – the lowest figure in 16 years.

Latin America and the Caribbean saw a significant reduction, with fatalities dropping from 43 in 2022 to 12 in 2024.

UNESCO’s data is gathered from leading international press freedom organisations and is rigorously verified to ensure accuracy.

Cases unrelated to victims’ journalistic work are excluded, though many remain under review.

Beyond monitoring fatalities, UNESCO actively works to protect journalists through initiatives like the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

The agency also noted a growing number of non-physical threats, including financial and legal pressures.

Notably, there has been a 42 per cent rise in attacks on journalists covering environmental issues between 2019 and 2024. This reflects the evolving nature of threats facing media workers.

As it continues its efforts to safeguard journalists, UNESCO has called on the global community to strengthen protections for media workers.

The organisation emphasised that the pursuit of truth must not come at the cost of lives.