Worldwide, nine out of ten crimes related to the killing of journalists still remain unsolved, stated UN Secretary-General António Guterres. According to UNESCO, between August 2023 and May 2025, 163 journalists were killed as a result of attacks.
Of these, 109 worked in armed conflict zones. The highest numbers of casualties were recorded in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine.
“Free and independent journalism is an extremely important value for society, and journalists must have the opportunity to work freely, impartially, and without fear all over the world,” said the UN Secretary-General. António Guterres strongly condemned the killing of media workers, and described the obstruction of foreign journalists entering Gaza as an unacceptable situation.
According to UNESCO estimates, the level of impunity for crimes against media is highest in Middle Eastern and North African countries. The main reasons cited are the weakness of judicial systems, corruption, and the lack of political will by governments.
