2024: The Deadliest Year for Journalists, Reports IFJ
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has declared 2024 as the most dangerous year in recent history for media professionals, with 122 journalists and media workers killed worldwide. According to a report by Arab News, the Brussels-based organization described 2024 as a “deadliest year for journalism,” with an average of one journalist killed every three days.
A Grim Year for Media Professionals
Anthony Bellanger, General Secretary of the IFJ, expressed condolences, saying:
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the 122 media professionals who lost their lives in 2024.”
The IFJ, the world’s largest journalists’ union, has called for stronger protections for media workers and justice for those responsible for these killings. Initially published on December 10, the report was updated after a spate of killings in the year’s final weeks.
Most Dangerous Regions for Journalists
The report identifies the Middle East and Arab world as the most perilous regions for journalists, with 77 media workers killed in 2024 alone.
- Gaza and Lebanon were the deadliest zones, where 71 journalists lost their lives due to ongoing conflicts.
The Asia-Pacific region recorded 22 deaths:
- Pakistan witnessed the killing of seven journalists.
- Bangladesh reported five fatalities.
- In Myanmar, the military junta continues to target journalists relentlessly.
Other regions included:
- Africa: 10 journalists killed, six of whom died during the civil war in Sudan.
- Americas: 9 journalists killed, with two recent deaths in Haiti during an armed attack on a press conference.
- Europe: 4 journalists killed.
Rising Imprisonments of Journalists
The IFJ highlighted a disturbing increase in journalist detentions worldwide:
- By December 31, 516 media workers were imprisoned, compared to 427 in 2023 and 375 in 2022.
- China and Israel were noted as leading in journalist detentions.
Additionally, Reporters Without Borders reported in December:
- 55 journalists were held hostage.
- 95 journalists remain missing.
A Call for Justice
The IFJ has reiterated its demand for global action to ensure media workers’ safety and bring their perpetrators to justice. The alarming rise in killings, detentions, and hostilities against journalists underscores the urgent need for international safeguards to protect press freedom.
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