Some 85 per cent of journalist killings from 2022 and 2023 remain unpunished, according to a report from UNESCO released Nov. 2, which was the International day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
World Press Freedom Canada adds its voice to UNESCO’s call for all states to act on their commitments to end impunity for killing journalists. At the same time, journalists should be able to operate without threats, either in person or online, aimed at silencing them.
In 2022 and 2023, a total of 162 journalists were killed – either as a result in regions of armed conflict or as a result of covering organized crime, corruption or reporting on public demonstrations. The perpetrators remain mostly unknown and unpunished.
Mexico is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a reporter or media workers. In 2022, Mexico had the highest number of cases with 19 killings. President Claudia Sheinbaum, who took office Oct. 1, must now act on her pledge to combat violence and crime, including attacks on journalists.
In 2023, Palestine recorded the highest number of cases with 24 killings in Gaza and the West Bank. That trend has continued this year as the Israeli Defence Force has fired on vehicles and buildings which were clearly marked as housing journalists.
World Press Freedom Canada calls on Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah to respect the U.N. declaration prohibiting the targeting of civilians, including journalists, during armed conflict.
UNESCO notes that the killing of women journalists over the two-year period was the highest in seven years, with 14 victims.
The United Nations agency does not track all injuries, threats or other types of harassment that confront journalists doing their jobs. However, it recorded 77 attacks involving attempted murder, physical assaults, arbitrary detention or abduction. UNESCO also identified 16 cases of journalists receiving threats, including death threats.
WPFC joins UNESCO in urging all governments to support the rights of journalists who work to hold to account people in positions of power.
