UN: 162 Journalists Killed in Two Years, 85% of Cases Unsolved
A recent UNESCO report reveals a dramatic increase in journalist deaths worldwide, with an average of one journalist killed every four days during 2022-2023. This alarming trend underscores a pervasive culture of impunity, as the majority of these cases remain unsolved.
According to the recent UNESCO report, 162 journalists were killed while performing their duties, marking a 38% rise compared to previous years, an article by Al Jazeera reported yesterday.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasized the urgency for governments to take action against such violence, stating, “These crimes must never go unpunished.” The report coincides with the UN-recognized International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, highlighting the critical need for accountability.
Latin America and the Caribbean accounted for the highest number of journalist fatalities, with 61 deaths, while conflict zones saw a resurgence in violence, with 44 journalists killed in 2023 alone. Notably, Palestine recorded the most deaths, with 24 journalists losing their lives in the line of duty.
The report also sheds light on the troubling reality that 85% of journalist killings since 2006 remain unresolved, a slight improvement from previous years but still indicative of systemic failures in justice. UNESCO called for urgent protective measures for journalists, citing their essential role in society as truth-seekers. As the landscape for media workers becomes increasingly perilous, the call for international solidarity and action against impunity has never been more critical.
