UNESCO Warns of First Rise in Impunity for Journalist Killings Since 2012, Reports 189 Deaths in Two Years
UNESCO Warns of First Rise in Impunity for Journalist Killings Since 2012, Reports 189 Deaths in Two Years
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has warned that the global impunity rate for the killing of journalists has risen to 86%, marking the first increase since the organization began monitoring the indicator in 2012. The warning comes amid growing dangers facing media professionals, particularly in areas affected by armed conflict.
According to UNESCO’s latest report by its Director-General on the safety of journalists and the danger of impunity, approximately six out of every seven journalist murder cases remain unresolved through judicial proceedings. The rate compares with 85% in the previous report. The figure covers cases monitored since 2006, including those still under investigation or trial, as well as cases closed without those responsible being held accountable.
The report documented the deaths of 189 journalists and media workers in 2024 and 2025, representing a 20% increase compared with the previous two-year period. Arab countries accounted for 97 of these deaths, representing more than half of the global total.
Palestine recorded the highest number of journalist fatalities, with 30 journalists killed in 2024 and 32 in 2025, according to the report.
UNESCO also found that 127 journalists were killed in conflict zones, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the global total. Among them, 50 died in drone strikes, representing around 40% of journalist fatalities in conflict areas.
The report documented seven attacks in which more than one journalist was killed, including strikes on media offices and temporary press coverage facilities. It also recorded the deaths of 15 journalists who were wearing clothing marked with press insignia or travelling in vehicles clearly identified as media vehicles.
In contrast, 62 journalists were killed in countries not experiencing armed conflict, the lowest figure in 18 years. The impunity rate in these countries also declined to 77%.
Marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany called for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2222, which addresses the protection of journalists and media personnel during armed conflicts.
He stressed that journalists must be protected as civilians and that those responsible for crimes against them must be held accountable, warning against the continued loss of media workers’ lives while carrying out their professional duties without justice being served.
