By Joke Kujenya
DANGEROUS CONDITIONS in conflict zones have made 2024 a perilous year for journalists, with a significant majority of fatalities reported in countries grappling with war and unrest.
Data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) confirms that 68 journalists were killed globally this year while on duty, with 42 of those deaths occurring in conflict-affected areas.
Palestine reported the highest toll, with 18 journalists losing their lives amidst the ongoing violence.
Other dangerous regions include Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan, reflecting the widespread risks journalists face when reporting in conflict zones.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay condemned the alarming trend, stating, “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.”
Despite the grim figures, there has been a slight reduction in overall journalist deaths compared to 2023 (74) and 2022 (88).
This year also marked a significant decrease in killings outside of conflict zones, with 26 fatalities, the lowest in 16 years.
Latin America and the Caribbean witnessed a notable decline, with 12 deaths recorded in 2024 compared to 18 in 2023 and 43 in 2022.
UNESCO attributes these improvements to strengthened efforts in combating attacks against journalists in non-conflict countries.
However, the organisation emphasises that much work remains to ensure the safety of media workers worldwide.
In its mandate to support press freedom and journalist protection, UNESCO systematically condemns every journalist killing, monitors judicial follow-ups, and coordinates the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
The organisation also provides training for journalists, judicial actors, and security forces, and engages governments to implement protective policies.
Through global initiatives such as World Press Freedom Day (3 May) and the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (2 November), UNESCO continues to advocate for safer conditions for the media.
