Number of journalists killed worldwide over past two years rises 20 percent

A total of 189 journalists were killed worldwide in connection with their professional work in 2024–2025, a 20% increase compared to the previous two years.

Operativ Media reports that this was stated in a UNESCO report on journalist safety.

The report noted that 127 of those killed lost their lives in conflict zones, emphasizing that 40% of them died as a result of drone strikes.

The highest number of journalists killed was recorded in Palestine (62), Mexico (17), and Sudan (14), while the conflict in Ukraine claimed the lives of 12 media workers.

According to UNESCO data, 1,600 journalists have been killed over the past 20 years, with only 14% of these cases investigated.