One hundred and twenty-two journalists and media workers, including 14 women, have been killed in 2024, according to the annual Killed List released by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on 31 December.
The IFJ deplores 2024 as one of the deadliest years for journalists and reiterates its determination to see an International Convention for the Protection of Journalists adopted by the United Nations as a matter of urgency.
On the International Human Rights Day, 10 December, the IFJ published an initial list of journalists killed this year documenting 104 killings. It says the updated list of 31 December is primarily the result of additional deaths in the Middle East and the Arab world – nine more journalists have been killed in Palestine and two in Syria – as well as other killings that have been brought to the Federation’s attention.
Middle East and Arab world: 77 fatalities
The Middle East experienced the highest number of journalist deaths, with 77 casualties, primarily driven by the war in Gaza. Since the outbreak of the conflict on October 7, 2023, at least 147 Palestinian journalists have been killed, making Gaza one of the most dangerous regions in the history of journalism.
Middle East and Arab world: 77 fatalities
The Middle East experienced the highest number of journalist deaths, with 77 casualties, primarily driven by the war in Gaza. Since the outbreak of the conflict on October 7, 2023, at least 147 Palestinian journalists have been killed, making Gaza one of the most dangerous regions in the history of journalism.
Among the casualties:
- 64 Palestinian journalists.
- 6 Lebanese journalists.
- 1 Syrian journalist.
In other parts of the region, three journalists were killed in Iraq, while Syria recorded the deaths of a photographer and two Kurdish journalists in the northern regions.
Asia-Pacific: 22 fatalities
The Asia-Pacific region accounted for 22 deaths of journalists in 2024. Key figures include:
- 7 journalists in Pakistan.
- 5 in Bangladesh.
- 3 in India.
Myanmar’s military regime continued its crackdown on the press, with three journalists killed over the year.
Africa: 10 fatalities
Africa saw 10 journalist fatalities in 2024, with the Sudan conflict claiming six lives. Additional deaths included two journalists in Somalia, one in Chad, and one in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Americas: 9 fatalities
Nine journalists were killed across the Americas, marking a decrease compared to previous years.
5 of these fatalities occurred in Mexico, where many were targeted for reporting on drug trafficking.
Europe: 4 fatalities
In Europe, four journalists were killed in 2024, primarily linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite this, Europe remains the safest continent for journalists.
Journalists in prison
The IFJ reports that 516 journalists are currently imprisoned worldwide, a sharp increase from previous years.
China remains the largest jailer of journalists, with 135 media workers behind bars.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ Secretary-General, expressed condolences to the families and colleagues of the 122 media professionals killed this year. He urged United Nations member states to adopt a binding convention on journalist safety.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the 122 media professionals killed this year,” Bellanger said. “We call on UN member states to enact a binding convention on journalist safety to prevent such deaths and injuries in the future.”
About The Author
