UNESCO Reports 20% Rise in Journalist Killings Worldwide as UN Chief Warns of Widespread Impunity

UNESCO Reports 20% Rise in Journalist Killings Worldwide as UN Chief Warns of Widespread Impunity
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The world has witnessed a rise in killing of journalists at an alarming rate over the past two years, according to UNESCO. Meanwhile, UN Chief has warned of the unprecedented rise in killing of journalists in a statement, marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

UNESCO has reported that 189 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide in 2024 and 2025, a 20% increase compared with the previous two-year period. According to the organization’s latest report on the safety of journalists, 127 of those killed — 67% of the total — lost their lives in conflict zones. The findings were released on November 2, marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

UNESCO also reported that 50 journalists were killed by drones across six conflict zones, highlighting the growing dangers facing media workers covering armed conflicts. The global impunity rate for journalist killings rose to 86%, up from 85% in the previous reporting period, marking the first increase since UNESCO began tracking the rate in 2012. The organization’s Director-General, Khaled El-Enany, called for stronger protection of journalists and greater accountability for those responsible for their deaths.

In a separate message marking the same international day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that at least 34 journalists had been killed over the preceding year. He warned that six out of every seven journalist killings go unpunished, with impunity in conflict settings approaching 100%. Guterres urged governments to investigate every case, prosecute those responsible and protect journalists from physical and online attacks, stressing that press freedom is essential to human rights, democracy and the rule of law.