104 journalists killed in 2024

(CLO) On the occasion of International Human Rights Day on December 10, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) released the initial findings of its annual report on journalists and media workers killed in the line of duty. The report indicates that 2024 continues to be a dangerous year for journalists around the world.

As of December 10, 2024, the IFJ recorded 104 journalists killed, of which more than half were from Gaza, Palestine (55 people). The situation is serious, although this number is down from 129 murders of journalists in 2023, one of the most murderous years in the IFJ's recorded history (since 1990).

The IFJ continues to call for the establishment of an international convention to protect journalists, asking the United Nations to adopt a treaty to protect media professionals.

The report, though incomplete, found that 104 journalists had been killed since the start of 2024, including 12 women.

Funeral of Palestinian TV journalist Abu Hatab, one of more than 100 media workers killed in the Israeli attack. Photo: Anadolu

Middle East and Arab World: 66 journalists

The Middle East and Arab World retained its position as the region with the most journalists killed in 2024, with 66 killings. The war in Gaza and Lebanon continued to fuel the massacre, with journalists from Palestine (55), Lebanon (6) and Syria (1) the main victims, accounting for 60% of all journalists killed this year.

Since the war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, at least 138 Palestinian journalists have been killed, making Palestine one of the most dangerous countries for journalists today, behind Iraq, the Philippines and Mexico.

On October 13, 2023, the IFJ called on UNESCO to protect journalists, demand a long-term ceasefire and open humanitarian corridors, but these efforts have so far failed to produce results.

Outside of Gaza, three journalists have been killed in Iraq this year, including two women on August 23 and a photographer murdered in Syria on December 4.

Asia-Pacific: 20 journalists

The Asia-Pacific region, the largest region tracked by the IFJ, saw the number of journalists killed rise in 2024. With 20 deaths, the figure was significantly higher than in 2023 (12) and 2022 (16). Violence increased in South Asia, with six journalist killings in Pakistan, five in Bangladesh and three in India.

Myanmar has seen three journalist killings this year, while Indonesia and Kazakhstan each have had one journalist killed while on the job.

Africa: 8 journalists

So far this year, eight journalists have been killed in Africa, compared to four in 2022 and nine in 2023. Sudan suffered the heaviest loss this year with five journalists killed, in a bloody conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

In addition to Sudan, two journalists in Somalia and one in Chad have also lost their lives, reflecting the growing political instability and violence in those countries.

Americas: 6 journalists

Before the Gaza conflict, Latin America, and Mexico in particular, was already one of the most dangerous places for journalists. In 2024, the IFJ recorded six murders of journalists, including five Mexicans and one Colombian. The attacks were largely linked to drug trafficking, which has plagued Mexico for more than two decades.

Europe: 4 journalists

The conflict in Ukraine continues to be the leading cause of death for journalists in Europe, with four journalists killed in 2024. Despite the dire situation in Ukraine, Europe remains the safest region in the world for journalists.

Ngoc Anh (according to NUJ)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/2024-tiep-tuc-la-mot-nam-day-nguy-hiem-voi-cac-nha-bao-khi-104-nguoi-bi-sat-hai-post325101.html