According to a new UNESCO report, the level of impunity remains scandalously high, at 85%, down just 4 points in six years.
“In 2022 and 2023, a journalist has been killed every four days simply for doing their essential work of seeking the truth. In the vast majority of cases, no one will ever be held accountable,” said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
She called on all member states “to do more to ensure that these crimes never go unpunished.” Prosecuting and convicting the perpetrators is a major lever to prevent future attacks against journalists.”
The new UNESCO report notes the persistence of a very high rate of impunity for the murders of journalists: 85% of all murders recorded by the Organization since 2006 are considered unsolved.
While UNESCO sees an improving trend – the rate was 89% six years ago and 95% twelve years ago – states must significantly increase their efforts to deter further crimes against journalists.
A journalist, Mustafa Al-Bayed, reporting from Gaza.
Murders of female journalists at highest level in 7 years
During the biennium covered by the UNESCO report (2022-2023), a total of 162 journalists were killed. Nearly half of the deaths took place in countries experiencing armed conflict, compared to 38% in the previous two years (2020-2021).
In other countries, most journalists have been killed for covering organized crime, corruption or while covering public protests.
The report further raises the alarming fact that the number of female journalists killed is at its highest level since 2017, with 14 killed.
A journalist in Somalia doing an interview.
New UNESCO tools for prevention and recovery
To advance the fight against impunity, UNESCO is launching its annual awareness campaign on the problem of impunity this Saturday, which will be broadcast in newspapers around the world. This year's theme is “There's a Story Behind the Story.”
On November 6, UNESCO is organizing a global conference on the safety of journalists in crisis and emergency situations with the African Union in Addis Ababa. UNESCO will present its global repository of national safety mechanisms for journalists, which includes 56 national mechanisms for the protection of journalists and at least 12 national action plans.
UNESCO will also publish a guide for psychologists working with journalists in emergency situations, in partnership with the International Women in Media Foundation (IWMF).
It is designed to provide psychologists with practical tools to offer immediate psychological support in crises, with a focus on the needs of women journalists. The goal is to stabilize emotional and cognitive processes disrupted by traumatic events, allowing journalists to make rational decisions essential to their survival while minimizing impulsive actions that could put them in danger.
The Organization also organizes dozens of other dedicated events around the world.
UN chief calls for defense of freedom of expression
On the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed the Organization's commitment to freedom of expression. press and the safety of journalists around the world.
“Freedom of the press is an indispensable condition for human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Yet around the world, journalists are prevented from doing their work; they are often the target of threats or violence and even risk death in their mission to bring the truth to light and hold the powerful accountable,” he said in a message.
He called on governments to take immediate measures to protect journalists, investigate crimes against them and prosecute the perpetrators.
“Together, let’s end the cycle of violence, defend freedom of expression and ensure that journalists can carry out their essential mission safely and without fear – everywhere,” concluded the head of the 'UN.
