The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has labeled 2024 as one of the most dangerous years for journalists, with 122 media workers, including 14 women, losing their lives. Released on December 31, the IFJ’s annual report highlights the alarming risks faced by journalists worldwide, calling for the United Nations to urgently adopt an International Convention for the Protection of Journalists.

“Our thoughts are with the families of the 122 journalists killed this year. Each death represents a silenced story,” said IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger. He stressed that without global safeguards, impunity will continue to embolden those targeting journalists.

Journalists Caught in Crossfire and Targeted Violence

From conflict zones to regions plagued by authoritarianism and organized crime, journalists in 2024 faced unprecedented dangers.

Shocking Cases of Violence and Torture in 2024

The IFJ documented numerous brutal attacks against journalists, including deliberate killings and instances of torture:

• Palestine: The ongoing war in Gaza accounted for the deaths of 64 Palestinian journalists. Among them, Ahmed Khalil was shot dead while live-streaming a bombing raid, while Amina Haddad endured weeks of torture after being detained by militants.
• Mexico: Organized crime claimed the lives of five reporters. The dismembered bodies of Marcos Ortega and Luisa Ramirez were found in Veracruz after they reported on cartel activities.
• Sudan: Six journalists were killed during the country’s escalating civil war. Mustafa Ibrahim, abducted while covering protests in Khartoum, was tortured before being executed.
• Myanmar: In a chilling case, journalist Tin Zaw died under brutal torture while in military custody, reflecting the junta’s harsh crackdown on dissent.
• Ukraine: Four journalists were killed covering the war, including British correspondent Sarah Whitman, who died in a drone strike near the frontlines.

A Regional Breakdown of Journalist Deaths

Middle East and Arab World (77 Deaths)

• The Middle East was the deadliest region for journalists, with wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria accounting for 77 deaths.
• Journalist Fadi Salem was executed in Gaza after being accused of exposing militant operations.

Asia-Pacific (22 Deaths)

• Killings were concentrated in Pakistan (7), Bangladesh (5), India (3), Myanmar (3), Cambodia (1), and the Philippines (1).
• Myanmar’s military regime targeted journalists, with some tortured to death in detention.

Africa (10 Deaths)

• Six Sudanese journalists were killed during the ongoing civil conflict, while Somalia saw two reporters assassinated by extremists.

Americas (9 Deaths)

• Mexico remains one of the most perilous countries for journalists, with five reporters killed, largely due to cartel violence.

Europe (4 Deaths)

• Four journalists lost their lives in Ukraine, a stark reminder of the risks posed by the ongoing conflict.

Record Number of Journalists Jailed

The IFJ reported a significant increase in the number of journalists imprisoned globally, rising to 516 in 2024 compared to 427 in 2023.

• China continues to top the list as the largest jailer of journalists, with 135 detained, including several in Hong Kong.
• Israel has detained 59 Palestinian journalists, while Myanmar has imprisoned 44, with many facing torture.

Photo: The infographic illustrates the distribution of journalist deaths by region in 2024. Each segment highlights the proportion of fatalities in different regions, with the Middle East and Arab World emerging as the most heavily impacted area.

Expert Opinions: The Fight for Press Freedom

Experts have expressed grave concern over the growing threats to journalists worldwide:

• Dr. Maria Ressa, Nobel Laureate: “The brutal killings we’ve seen—whether it’s Ahmed Khalil in Gaza or Marcos Ortega in Mexico—are a direct attack on truth and democracy. Without protection for journalists, we risk losing our right to information.”
• Joel Simon, press freedom advocate: “The rising impunity for crimes against journalists emboldens governments and criminal networks. This isn’t just a crisis for the press—it’s a crisis for justice.”
• Anthony Bellanger, IFJ General Secretary: “The adoption of an international convention to protect journalists has never been more urgent. Behind these numbers are real people whose stories will never be told.”

Analysis: Global Trends in Journalist Safety

Middle East and Arab World

The region remains the most dangerous for journalists, particularly in Gaza and Syria. Journalists are not just victims of crossfire but often deliberately targeted, highlighting the urgent need for accountability mechanisms.

Asia-Pacific

Political instability and rising authoritarianism are driving risks for journalists in this region. Pakistan and Myanmar stand out as particularly dangerous environments, with little protection for press freedom.

Africa

In Africa, journalists often fall victim to broader conflicts, such as Sudan’s civil war or extremist violence in Somalia. A lack of functioning judicial systems perpetuates impunity for these crimes.

Americas

Organized crime continues to be the primary threat in the Americas, particularly in Mexico, where reporting on drug cartels remains a deadly endeavor.

Europe

While Europe remains relatively safe, journalists covering the war in Ukraine face significant risks.

Urgent Action Needed

The IFJ’s 2024 report is a grim reminder of the dangers journalists face and the need for decisive global action. Advocacy groups are calling on the United Nations to adopt a legally binding convention to protect journalists and hold perpetrators accountable.

“This fight isn’t just about protecting journalists; it’s about safeguarding democracy,” said Dr. Maria Ressa. “Without action, the deaths and imprisonments will only escalate, leaving societies in darkness.”