Journalists killed in 2024: a heavy death toll in conflict zones for the second year running

Of the 42 journalist killings in countries in conflict, 18 took place in Palestine, 4 in Ukraine and Colombia, 3 each in Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar and Sudan and 1 each in Syria, Chad, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This continues an alarming trend established in 2023 - taken together, more journalists have died in conflict in the last two-year period than any since 2016/2017.

Overall, the killings of journalists and media workers (68) decreased compared to 2023 (74) and 2022 (88), although several cases are still being verified by UNESCO, in line with its working method. The decrease was notably driven by a drop in the numbers of journalists killed outside of countries in conflict, with 26 deaths. This was the lowest total in sixteen years.

It suggests that progress may have been made in some non-conflict countries in fighting attacks against journalists for their reporting in peacetime, which peaked in 2022 with sixty killings. This was especially the case in Latin America and the Caribbean, with 12 killings in 2024 compared with 18 in 2023 and 43 in 2022.

Beyond numbers

UNESCO's figures are based upon the cases recorded by leading international press freedom organizations. They do not include journalists dying in circumstances believed to be unrelated to their profession. However, UNESCO is continuing to monitor dozens of journalist deaths worldwide until such point that a confirmation is provided.

The process is followed in accordance with UNESCO's mandate and established working method going back almost 20 years, ensuring strict neutrality and impartiality while maintaining a consistent global approach. More information on this working method can be found on the UNESCO Observatory of Killed Journalists.

UNESCO's efforts to protect journalists

UNESCO has the United Nations mandate to support freedom of expression and the protection of journalists. The Organization coordinates the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. It systematically condemns and monitors judicial follow up to every journalist killing. UNESCO also trains journalists, judicial actors and security forces, works with governments to develop supportive policies and laws, and raises global awareness through events such as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (2 November) and World Press Freedom Day (3 May).

UNESCO also documents and analyzes the different forms of threats against journalists. Earlier this year, the Organization warned against the rise of new forms of censorship, such as the misuse of financial laws to silence journalists, and a UNESCO report released in May revealed a 42% rise in attacks against journalists reporting on the environmentbetween the periods 2014-2018 and 2019-2024.

About UNESCO

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.

"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed" - UNESCO Constitution, 1945.

More information: www.unesco.org

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