Informed 12 International


122 journalists killed in 2024


Bea Bennet, NUJ senior campaigns and communications officer reports on the shocking killings of journalists worldwide.


IFJ


For over three decades the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has recorded its annual list of journalists killed globally. In its publication last month, the


Federation revealed detail about 122 colleagues from across continents including those reporting from war, killed in 2024. 64 journalists, almost half of all casualties, were murdered on the Gaza Strip last year and since 2023, a total of 152 journalists have been killed in Gaza. Te Middle East and Arab World accounted for the highest number of killings in 2024 and Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general secretary, said for months, the organisation had “gathered evidence that the Israeli Army has deliberately targeted journalists.” Te NUJ has repeatedly condemned the targeting of Palestinian journalists, including incidents pre-dating the Israel-Gaza war where atacks against the media including those in PRESS vests were recorded.


Whilst the IFJ Killed List report makes


for sombre reading, the recording of deaths by the organisation is crucial, ensuring tributes are paid to colleagues and a spotlight is shone on the impunity enjoyed by leaders failing to protect journalists. In the Americas, journalists’ murders occurred in countries including Mexico, one of the most dangerous for media workers. Haiti, Colombia and Venezuala were also listed by the IFJ as where atacks on journalists took place. Te situation in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion over three years ago remains difficult for colleagues reporting from frontlines, with three journalists


Asia Pacific region, killings occurred in countries including Indonesia, Cambodia and Bangladesh. 516 journalists remain imprisoned globally, although there is recognition this may be an underreported figure when we consider the atitudes and actions of governments hostile to journalists and the importance of a free press. Since publication of the list in December, the number of journalists imprisoned despite commiting no crime continues to rise. On 27 February, Vietnamese journalist Huy Duc, was handed a 30-month prison term on anti- State charges. As World Press Freedom Day (3 May)


Anthony Bellanger


killed by Russian bombings and another declared dead by Putin’s authorities during a transfer from prison. Te IFJ’s Gender Council noted it was important to remember ongoing conflicts worldwide such as those in Ukraine, Sudan, Iraq, Philippines and Syria. On the risks to women journalists, the council said: “Women journalists are also more likely to be followed or monitored, notably in environments where press freedom is under threat. Moreover, in some regions journalists are considered vulnerable to being kidnapped or trafficked, especially when reporting in high-risk areas. We must remember all the international legislation that protects women against violence, but is not respected in many countries, including in those where there is no conflict.” A total of 10 journalists were killed in Africa including in Chad and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Two Russian journalists killed in missile strikes were among murders in Europe. In the


approaches, we must do all we can to decry the atacks on journalists whether at home or abroad. As wars ravage on, it is the journalism from colleagues that provides a window into truths on the ground, oſten combating misinformation and propaganda that spreads like wildfire online. Te IFJ is calling for the adoption of a UN Convention to protect journalists. Tey have the full backing of the NUJ; Laura Davison, NUJ general secretary, has writen to David Lammy, foreign secretary, seeking a meeting with him or officials on the mater. Tis year’s World Press Freedom


Day theme is ‘Reporting in the Brave New World: Te Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.’ UNESCO notes, that AI “can be used to reproduce misinformation, spread disinformation, amplify online hate speech, and enable new forms of censorship.” Te agency also recognises that “some actors use AI for mass surveillance of journalists and citizens, creating a chilling effect on freedom of expression.” Whilst it is unknown what developments we may witness on AI in the weeks preceding WPFD, the theme allows us to consider our continued engagement with policy makers on the impact of technologies. Te IFJ’s recommendations on the use of AI within journalism emphasise the importance of journalists as defenders of journalism.


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