At least 68 journalist killings in 2024, UNESCO reports
December 12, 2024
Assad’s Regime Under Scrutiny for Journalist Killings in Syria
December 12, 2024
December 12, 2024 – General –
In 2024, at least 68 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide while on duty—more than 60% of those deaths occurred in active conflict zones, marking the highest proportion seen in over a decade. Although the overall number slightly declined from 74 in 2023 and 88 in 2022, the concentration of deaths in war-torn regions remains deeply troubling.
Breaking down the statistics, UNESCO reports 42 deaths occurred in conflict areas: 18 in Palestine, four each in Ukraine and Colombia, three each in Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan, and one each in Syria, Chad, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These figures highlight the staggering vulnerability of journalists in crisis zones, where providing reliable information can cost lives.
The James Foley Foundation echoes UNESCO’s insights, underlining the “heavy death toll in conflict zones for the second year running”. It reminds us that this is not a new issue—since 2006, more than 1,700 journalists have been killed globally, with nearly 90% of cases unresolved legally.
UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasized the vital role of trustworthy reporting in conflicts and called on states to enforce stronger protections under international law. Despite some regional progress—such as fewer journalist deaths in Latin America—the growing targeting of reporters covering environmental and war-related issues underscores evolving threats.
These deaths come within a broader context of impunity. As per UNESCO’s observatory, an overwhelming majority of journalist murders from 2006 to 2024 remain uninvestigated or unpunished. This chronic failure risks chilling free expression and withholding critical insights from the public.
Reference –
Journalists killed in 2024: a heavy death toll in conflict zones for the second year running
