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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has reported that at least 68 journalists lost their lives in 2024, marking a second consecutive year where conflict zones have proven deadly for media professionals.
According to the report, over 60% of these fatalities occurred in regions plagued by conflict — the highest percentage recorded in more than a decade. The findings reveal the growing dangers faced by journalists reporting from war-torn areas.
Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director-General, condemned the killings, emphasizing the importance of journalists’ work during conflicts.
“Reliable information is vital in conflict situations to help affected populations and to enlighten the world.
“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,” UNESCO Director-General said in a statement on Thursday.
The report reveals that 42 of the journalist deaths occurred in conflict zones, with Palestine recording the highest death toll of 18.
Other affected countries included Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan, where multiple journalists also lost their lives amid ongoing unrest.
This grim statistic follows a worrying trend that began in 2023, with more journalists dying in conflict zones over the past two years than at any other period since 2016-2017.
Slight Decline in Non-Conflict Zone Deaths
While conflict areas remain dangerous, the total number of journalist killings worldwide declined slightly in 2024. In non-conflict zones, 26 journalists were killed — the lowest figure in 16 years.
Notably, Latin America and the Caribbean witnessed a significant reduction in journalist deaths, with fatalities dropping from 43 in 2022 to 12 in 2024.
This decline suggests some progress in protecting journalists in regions previously regarded as high-risk for media professionals.
Challenges Beyond Physical Threats
UNESCO’s report also highlighted the growing threats journalists face beyond physical attacks. Financial and legal pressures, as well as increasing hostility toward those covering sensitive issues, are rising concerns.
One alarming trend noted in the report is the surge in attacks on journalists covering environmental issues.
Between 2019 and 2024, there was a 42% increase in such attacks, reflecting the growing risks media workers face when reporting on topics like climate change, illegal mining, and environmental crimes.
UNESCO’s efforts go beyond recording fatalities. The agency actively works to protect journalists through initiatives like the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
The organization also verifies every journalist death to ensure it is directly related to their media work, excluding unrelated cases while still monitoring ongoing investigations.
Call for Greater International Protection
As the risks to journalists evolve, UNESCO continues to urge the international community to strengthen protections for media workers.
The call is particularly urgent for those reporting in conflict zones or on controversial issues like the environment.
