In the years 2022-23, the killing of journalists worldwide saw a significant increase compared to previous years, with a majority of cases remaining unsolved, as reported by the United Nations. UNESCO noted that on average, one journalist was killed every four days during this period, totaling 162 deaths, which represented a 38% increase. The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, described the rise in journalist killings as “alarming” and called on countries to do more to ensure that these crimes are never left unpunished. The report was released to coincide with the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, highlighting the urgent need to address violence against media workers.
The surge in journalist killings was most prevalent in Latin America and the Caribbean, with 61 deaths over the two-year period, while North America and Western Europe recorded the fewest killings, with only six. Conflict zones saw a significant increase in journalist deaths in 2023, accounting for 59% of the total deaths, marking a shift from previous years where conflict-related fatalities had been declining. Local journalists made up the majority (86%) of those killed while covering conflicts, with Palestine experiencing the highest number of cases in 2023, with 24 journalists losing their lives in the line of duty.
The targeting of journalists for covering topics such as organised crime, corruption, and public demonstrations was also highlighted in the UNESCO report. Women journalists made up 9% of the total deaths, with at least five journalists aged between 15-24 also losing their lives. One of the concerning factors highlighted in the report was the impunity surrounding the killing of journalists, as 85% of cases identified since 2006 remained unsolved or had been abandoned. Despite some improvement, the resolution rate for cases involving journalist killings still lags, with a median time of four years for cases to be resolved.
In the midst of escalating violence against journalists in conflict zones like Gaza, Israel, and Lebanon, media organizations have condemned the deliberate targeting of journalists and the suppression of information. Al Jazeera journalists operating in Gaza have faced threats and violence from Israeli authorities, accusing them of being linked to Hamas, which the network refutes. The Al Jazeera Media Network spoke out against the systematic targeting of journalists in the region, highlighting the dangers faced by those documenting war and devastation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on governments to take urgent action to protect journalists, investigate crimes against them, and ensure accountability for those responsible, emphasizing that impunity only leads to further violence.
The pattern of violence against journalists for simply doing their job highlights the critical need to address the dangers faced by media workers worldwide. The surge in journalist killings during the 2022-23 period underscores the urgency of protecting press freedom and ensuring that those responsible for targeting and harming journalists are held accountable. The rise in conflict-related journalist deaths and the targeting of media workers in conflict zones reveal the risks faced by those reporting on dangerous and volatile situations. The call to end impunity for crimes against journalists emphasizes the need for swift and effective measures to address violence against those who play a crucial role in informing the public and upholding democracy.
