Research

A UNESCO-led campaign in Mexico City, marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, highlighted the dangers journalists face and the urgent need to combat impunity. November 22, 2024 - UNESCO, Mexico - The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists campaign has arrived in Mexico, and users are calling to raise their voices. In the heart of Mexico City, a unique message was displayed on more than 570 screens in 70 subway stations during a week. A headline about a journalistic investigation into an escape from a detention centre...

Despite UNESCO's initial declaration of the Maguindanao massacre case as "resolved," ongoing legal challenges and the continued absence of many perpetrators have led to criticism. The case highlights the Philippines' broader issues with media killings and impunity. November 21, 2024 - Source: CPJ -  When the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural classified the 2009 Maguindanao massacre — the deadliest attack on the press ever recorded by CPJ — as “resolved,” Philippine authorities were quick to echo and tout this designation. Too quick, as it turned out. UNESCO’s then-assistant director-general for communication and information, Moez...

Journalism as the Fourth Emergency Service highlights the mental health challenges journalists face, advocating for trauma support and resilience training to help them cope with distressing assignments. Summary Journalists have often been considered the "fourth emergency service". They are first on the scene, alongside paramedics, fi re and police, running towards danger rather than away, and providing independent, veritable and crucial information in the public interest. And yet, unlike frontline workers, little (if any) counselling or training is offered to journalists on how to deal with the horrors they witness, and the trauma they absorb...

Since October 2023, over 148 journalists have been killed in Gaza. The IFJ supports those affected, providing resources and working with the ICC to investigate intentional targeting of journalists. By IFJ: More than six months of war in Gaza has devastated nearly every aspect of life in the enclave. Since Hamas’ horrific attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, and the subsequent invasion, more than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed. This includes at least 148 journalists and media workers, a mortality rate of over ten per cent – dramatically higher than any other occupational...

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro donated a Document Management System to help track cases of journalist attacks, improving workflow and access. It strengthens the Commission's capacity to safeguard journalists' rights. November 19, 2024 - Source: miragenews - As part of its support for the work of the Commission for Monitoring Investigations of Attacks on Journalists, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro commissioned the development of a Document Management System (DMS) to store and track all information on cases of threats and attacks on journalists and media property in Montenegro. The Ministry of Interior, which provides administrative...

Venezuelan media launched "Venezuela Retweets," a news show hosted by AI avatars to protect journalists from government censorship. The avatars share real news via social media, shielding reporters from danger. November 17, 2024 -By  Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Media organisations launch news show hosted by AI-generated avatars to 'shelter their real-life journalists'. A group of Venezuelan media organisations has launched a news show using AI-generated anchors, said CNN. "Venezuela Retweets" is hosted by two AI avatars named "La Chama" (the girl) and "El Pana" (the dude). They share real news created by journalists who have found "reporting the news...

At a Council of Europe conference, experts discussed increasing threats to journalists. Police protection, cybersecurity, and support systems were emphasized, with practical advice for reporters facing online and physical risks. November 17, 2024 - Source: Cyprus Mail -  Police protection and vital cybersecurity for journalists Police protection is seen as one of the ways of dealing with the increasing levels of threats against journalists. Speaking at the last conference of the Journalists Matter campaign in Strasbourg, Wim Hoonhout, team leader and coordinator of the Netherlands Central Police, called for more safeguards to protect journalists from threats – on...

Mexican actor, producer and director Diego Luna took a break from the big screen on Thursday to highlight the dangers faced by journalists in his country and beyond, condemning murders of reporters everywhere as “a scandal”. Speaking to journalists at the UN Office at Geneva ahead of a screening of his new documentary State Of Silence, Mr. Luna insisted that the issue of their safety was everyone’s responsibility. “I think it's time for us to come out, us citizens, to come out and protect journalism around the world and protect these voices that are crucial for us to...

For more than two decades, Andriy Tsaplienko has been a war reporter, traveling to conflict zones around the globe. Two and a half years ago, war arrived in his country, Ukraine. When Vladimir Putin sent Russian tanks and missiles across Ukraine's borders, Tsaplienko became a trusted source of information from the front line. He's as fearless a journalist as they come. Some of Ukraine's military leaders told us they're surprised he's still alive. Tsaplienko told us he's fighting for Ukraine's survival… using his reporting - and the truth - as his weapons. Andriy Tsaplienko is battle...

Journalists receiving threats may have to flee their homes in a matter of a few hours. Conflicts, though, are often foreseeable and that’s why those in fragile regions should have an exit plan in place and crucial documents ready to go. These documents will not just help reporters with travel, when needed, but may also help them to move to a safer region or country. Below, we’ve listed what documents to gather as well as which organizations support journalists with relocation.   Documents to Have Ready Have the original or physical copies of the documents...

They are not just numbers.  The Palestinian delegation in Paris wrote a letter to UNESCO about Israel targeting Journalists in Palestine, asking them for urgent action. Read the letter: https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2024/10/4_journalists_gaza.pdf

How can we better ensure the digital security of the press and protect against cyber threats?  Download Quick Read October 11, 2024 -   CNTI’s Summary The digital security of publishers, journalists and their sources is under threat in many parts of the world. At the governmental level, policymakers must acknowledge the very real threats facing journalists specifically and ensure that digital policy initiatives both protect them and, in doing so, do not threaten free expression, basic privacy rights, or encryption and VPN protections. At the platform level, technology companies can establish and protect human...

As of November 5, 2024, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion by the russian federation of the territory of Ukraine, the occupiers had killed at least 103 media workers. According to the verified data provided by the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) and the International Federation of Journalists, among those killed were 18 media persons who were performing their professional duties; nine media workers registered as civilian victims, and 76 media representatives mobilized for the defense of Ukraine to the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). “If russia had not unleashed this shameful war, all...

On the "International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists," organizations call on the international community to address rising violence, intimidation, and killings of journalists in Yemen, urging action for their protection. November 2, 2024 - Source: MARSADAK - Today, as the world marks the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists,” Yemeni journalists face a dire situation, enduring violence, intimidation, and killings due to their expressions and opinions. The impunity enjoyed by perpetrators further exacerbates these violations. We, the undersigned organizations, call on the international community to focus on the escalating...

Ending impunity for crimes against journalists is one of the most important challenges today. It is an essential precondition to guarantee freedom of expression and access to information for all citizens. Every year, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is observed on November 2 around the world. The International Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2013, following the 2012 assassination of two French journalists in Mali. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about crimes committed against journalists, ensuring their safety, and ending the cycle of...

Journalism is one of the most dangerous and courageous professions, dedicated to seeking the truth and conveying reality without distortion or propaganda. Doha, November 02 (QNA) -  The primary function of the media faces numerous obstacles, including threats and crimes that may endanger lives, in addition to restrictions, lack of cooperation, prevention, closure, revocation of media licenses, and misuse of judicial systems in arbitrary ways to target journalists who oppose oppression, murder, kidnapping, torture, and illegal practices. Therefore, access to information and a complete understanding of events and their implications are at stake, because this...

Over 1,000 journalists have died in the past 12 years while reporting the truth, facing violence, imprisonment, and harassment. The UN condemns these attacks and urges accountability to prevent impunity and protect journalists. November 2, 2024 - National Day Calendar Also known as INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS.   DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS Every year, November 2 marks the Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The day draws attention to the low conviction rate for crimes committed against journalists on a global scale.   #EndImpunity...

Islamabad [Pakistan], November 1 (ANI): Freedom Network's "Impunity Report 2024" reported that the year 2024 emerged as one of the deadliest years for Pakistan after multiple target killings with the government doing little to save media persons November 27, 2024 - Source: ANI - Islamabad [Pakistan], November 1 (ANI): Freedom Network's "Impunity Report 2024" reported that the year 2024 emerged as one of the deadliest years for Pakistan after multiple target killings with the government doing little to save media persons. Six casualties of media practitioners, including a YouTuber - and 57 violations were recorded besides the provinces doing little to ensure combat impunity for crimes against media and...

Israel’s war on Gaza – and now, Lebanon -– has resulted in the highest recorded number of journalists killed in the line of duty in any given year or war. On the eve of the 10th International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Israel appears on the annual Global Impunity Index for the first time since its 2008 inception – with zero official investigations underway, and no accountability for even documented, apparently targeted killings. 2024-11-01 The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has been documenting the killing of journalists since 1992: overall, 1 625 names have...

Survey data unveils high levels of harassment and physical violence against reporters nationally [October 17, 2024 – WASHINGTON, DC] — New data released today by the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) reveal the staggering threats journalists in the United States face to their safety and well-being – much of it while on assignment covering political campaign events or protests. Derived from a survey of and interviews with 610 reporters who attended 26 IWMF Newsroom Safety Across America safety trainings in 19 cities across 11 states throughout 2024, the report details threats journalists face on the job and the support available...

A selection of resources for journalists and news rooms are below. Further resources are available on member organizations’ websites: Guide to Understanding Defamation Laws by the Legal Network for Journalists at Risk, Committee to Protect Journalists, Media Defence and the Thomson Reuters Foundation These Guides provide journalists and newsrooms with a practical understanding of defamation laws and the steps they can take to mitigate defamation liability in Brazil, Ethiopia, India and Peru. Training Resource Hub by Media Defence This Hub contains training materials and resources on freedom of expression such as digital rights, privacy security & data protection, and hate speech. eReader by...

A report by IPI highlights the risks faced by environmental journalists worldwide, detailing attacks, corruption, and disinformation. It calls for stronger protection, collaboration, and legal support for journalists. Source: International Press Institute (IPI) Key Findings Addressing the global climate and environmental crisis requires accurate, independent, and accessible journalism that can inform the public debate, clearly highlight the public interest, and protect those most affected by this crisis. Environmental and climate journalists shed light on corrupt practices and illegal activities linked to environmentally harmful businesses and disclose the vested interests that support polluting industries. They report...

From 2009 to 2023, 749 journalists covering environmental issues faced attacks, with a surge in recent years. State and private actors are key perpetrators. 44 journalists were killed, and many faced legal actions, including arrests and defamation suits. Source: UNESCO Series: World trends in freedom of expression and media development. Title: Press and planet in danger - Safety of environmental journalists - trends, challenges and recommendations. In the series: World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development Press and Planet in danger Safety of environmental journalists – trends, challenges and recommendations. At least 749...

A new report from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and Deakin University, “Covering the Planet: Assessing the State of Climate and Environmental Journalism Globally,” documents urgent challenges confronting climate and environmental journalists across the globe, including 39% experiencing threats as a result of their work; and almost two-thirds feeling obliged to use climate skeptics as sources for “balance.” The report, Covering the Planet: Assessing the State of Climate and Environmental Journalism Globally, is based on a survey of 744 journalists and editors in 102 countries and in-depth interviews with 74 journalists in 31 countries. The...

The alleged perpetrators of the assassination of Greek investigative journalist Giorgos Karaivaz, then acquitted, are escorted by a police special force outside the Mixed Jury Court, in Athens, Greece, 26 June 2024. Karaivaz was one of Greece's most prominent investigative journalists specializing in organized crime and police reporting when he was gunned down in broad daylight outside his Athens home on 09 April 2021. Credits: epa11438865 EPA-EFE/YANNIS KOLESIDIS   https://ipi.media/who-killed-giorgos-karaivaz-greece/