In 2024, 104 journalists lost their lives worldwide, with Palestine being the most dangerous territory for journalists, according to data from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The IFJ reported 104 journalist deaths, while the RSF reported 54 deaths, both organizations agreeing that Palestine is the deadliest place on earth for journalists. More than half of the reported killings were Palestinian media professionals in Gaza, with at least 138 journalists killed since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023. Israel has denied intentionally targeting journalists in its airstrikes, but the number of deaths in Gaza has been described as an “unprecedented bloodbath.”
The Asia Pacific region is the second most dangerous region for journalists after the Middle East, with 20 deaths reported in 2024, 70% of which occurred in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. According to the IFJ, there has been an increase in violence in the region, with deaths sharply rising from the previous year. Africa was the third most dangerous region, with eight deaths, five of which were in Sudan. In the Americas, the number of journalists killed has significantly decreased over the past two years, with six deaths reported in 2024. However, Mexico remains a dangerous place for journalists due to threats, intimidation, kidnappings, and murders related to reporting on drug trafficking.
The IFJ reports a rise in the number of journalists behind bars, with 520 journalists in prison across the world as of December 10, 2024. This is a considerable increase from previous years, with 427 journalists in prison in 2023 and 375 in 2022. China, including Hong Kong, has the highest number of journalists behind bars, followed by Israel and Myanmar. The IFJ warns that these figures indicate the fragility of the independent press and the increasingly risky and dangerous nature of the journalism profession.
Overall, 104 journalists were killed in 2024, with Palestine being the deadliest territory for journalists. The Asia Pacific region followed as the second most dangerous region, with an upsurge in violence leading to a sharp increase in journalist deaths. Africa and the Americas also saw journalist deaths, with Sudan and Mexico being particularly dangerous areas. Additionally, the number of journalists behind bars has risen significantly, highlighting the challenges and risks faced by journalists around the world. These troubling trends underscore the importance of protecting press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists as they work to inform the public and hold power to account.
