Between 2006 and 2024, over 1,700 journalists have lost their lives worldwide, and a staggering 85% of these cases never made it to trial, according to a recent UNESCO report. This alarming statistic is made public in the context of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, celebrated every year on November 2nd. The aim of this commemoration is to highlight the dangers faced by information professionals, including extreme risks to their lives.
This year, the celebration of this day coincides with the release of the UNESCO Director-General’s biennial report on the safety of journalists, which highlights a disturbing 38% increase in the number of journalist murders compared to previous studies. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has pointed out that journalist arrests have reached historic levels, while online threats and attacks are on the rise, particularly affecting women in the journalism field.
A survey conducted by UNESCO reveals that 73% of media professionals interviewed have been victims of online violence due to their informative work. The risks increase for those covering events in conflict zones, where the situation has deteriorated. Although a decrease in journalist murders in conflict areas had been observed since 2017, this trend has recently changed. In 2023, over half of crimes against journalists have occurred in crisis and conflict contexts, a figure that continued to rise during the first half of 2024.
Particularly troubling is the case of Gaza, where the highest number of journalist and media workers’ murders in any war conflict in recent decades has been documented. In light of this situation, Guterres has called on governments to take urgent measures to protect journalists, investigate crimes against them, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Latin America remains the region with the highest number of journalist deaths, according to the UNESCO Director-General’s report on journalist safety and the issue of impunity. This disturbing scenario highlights the urgent need to address impunity and ensure the protection of those who report to the world on the most relevant events.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
