Number is lower than the previous two years
At least 68 journalists and media professionals have been murdered at work this year and most of the deaths occurred in conflict areas, UNESCO revealed.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the number of journalists who were killed this year in office is lower than in the previous two years – 74 in 2023 and 88 in 2022 -, but there are still several cases to be verified.
Of the 68 journalists murdered, 60% (42 professionals) died while working in conflict countries, which represents the highest percentage in a decade.
Eighteen died in Palestine, four in Ukraine and Colombia, three in Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar and Sudan and one journalist in Syria, Chad, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“In situations of conflict, it is essential to have reliable information to help affected populations and inform the world. It is unacceptable for journalists to pay for this work with their lives”, said the director-general of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, in a statement press.
The data compiled by UNESCO is based on cases recorded by the main press freedom organizations and does not include journalists who died in circumstances unrelated to work.
