Every job comes with its risks, but the risk of being a journalists is on another level.
In Nigeria for instance, merely introducing yourself as a journalists automatically turns you into an enemy to the men in black.
Yes, the men in black are not the only people on this table, officers of many security agencies often give that fowl look once they hear “I am a journalists”.
However, besides the threat from security agencies, mediamen are often exposed to many risks in the line of duty.
In war zones or conflict areas, many journalists sometimes pay the ultimate price in their service to humanity.
As we speak, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has shared a strange report.
That report has it that at least 68 journalists lost their lives in 2024, marking a second consecutive year where conflict zones have proven deadly for media professionals.
Journalists Need Protection
According to the report, over 60% of these fatalities occurred in regions plagued by conflict — the highest percentage recorded in more than a decade. The findings reveal the growing dangers faced by journalists reporting from war-torn areas.
Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director-General, condemned the killings, emphasising the importance of journalism during conflicts.
He said: “Reliable information is vital in conflict situations to help affected populations and to enlighten the world.
“It is unacceptable that journalists pay with their lives for this work.
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“I call on all states to step up and ensure the protection of media workers, in accordance with international law.”
The report reveals that 42 of the journalist deaths occurred in conflict zones, with Palestine recording the highest death toll of 18.
Other affected countries included Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan, where multiple journalists also lost their lives amid ongoing unrest.
While conflict areas remain dangerous, the total number of journalist killings worldwide declined slightly in 2024.
In non-conflict zones, 26 journalists were killed — the lowest figure in 16 years.
Notably, Latin America and the Caribbean witnessed a significant reduction in journalist deaths, with fatalities dropping from 43 in 2022 to 12 in 2024.
