JNS: A new report from UNESCO highlights a troubling statistic: from 2006 to 2024, over 1,700 journalists were killed worldwide, with approximately 85% of these cases remaining unpunished. This alarming trend was underscored on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, observed on November 2.
This year’s observance coincided with the biannual UNESCO Director-General’s Report on the Safety of Journalists and Impunity, which noted a 38% increase in journalist killings compared to previous findings. In his message for the day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for governments to protect journalists, investigate crimes against them, and hold perpetrators accountable, particularly in light of the significant number of media workers killed in Gaza.
Guterres remarked that journalists in Gaza have faced unprecedented risks, stating that the level of killings is “unseen in any conflict in modern times.” He condemned the ongoing restrictions that prevent international journalists from entering Gaza, which he said only serves to further obscure the truth.
During the 2024 UN International Media Seminar on Peace in the Middle East, Guterres’ message was echoed by various UN officials. Cheikh Niang, chair of the UN Committee on the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, noted that since the onset of conflict on October 7, 2023, access to information has been severely restricted, with over 130 Palestinian journalists reportedly killed by Israeli forces in Gaza. He emphasized the crucial role of journalists in documenting potential war crimes and providing accurate accounts of the humanitarian crisis.
Guilherme Canela, chief of the section on freedom of expression and safety of journalists at UNESCO, expressed concern over the growing mistrust of the media, driven by narratives from political and religious leaders that undermine journalism’s role in democracy and human rights.
Mohammad Ali Alnsour from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights highlighted the media’s vital role in initiating accountability processes, emphasizing that access to information is crucial for justice and peace, particularly in conflict zones.
The International Day to End Impunity serves as a reminder of the global fight against impunity for crimes against journalists. UNESCO urges governments, civil society, and the media to work collaboratively to combat this issue and uphold the rule of law, as impunity threatens not just journalists, but entire societies by obscuring human rights abuses and corruption.
