Globally, 54 journalists have died in 2024, most of them in conflict zones – Reporters Without Borders

In 2024, 54 journalists were killed worldwide as a result of their professional duties, according to a report by the international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The 2024 report shows an alarming increase in attacks on journalists, especially in conflict zones.

According to the report, 31 of 54 journalists were killed in conflict zones, with the number of journalists killed covering events in these zones (Iraq, Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine and Gaza) reaching a five-year high (57.4%).

The Gaza Strip stands out as the most dangerous region in the world, with the largest number of journalists killed in connection with their work over the past five years. In 2024, the Gaza Strip accounted for almost 30% of journalists killed while on duty, RSF notes and calls for urgent action to protect journalists and journalism.

“Journalists don’t die, they are killed; they are not in prison, the regimes are imprisoning them; they don't disappear, they are kidnapped. These crimes, often committed with complete impunity by governments and armed groups, violate international law and very often go unpunished. We need to kick things into gear, remind ourselves as citizens that journalists die for us to keep us informed. We must continue to count, name, condemn, investigate and provide justice. Fatalism must never win. Defending those who inform us means defending the truth,” said RSF Director General Thibaut Brutten.

The Reporters Without Borders report also found a 7.2% increase in the number of journalists detained this year. This is largely due to the arrests of journalists in Russia (+8) and Israel (+17).

Almost 100 journalists are still missing in 34 countries – more than a quarter of them have disappeared in the last 10 years.

According to RSF, 45 journalists were killed in the line of work in 2023, the lowest number since 2002.

In February, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported that more than 100 Ukrainian and foreign journalists accredited to Ukraine had been injured since the full-scale Russian invasion began.

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