UNESCO data reveals rise in violence against journalists

New data from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has revealed a rise in violence against journalists during election periods, especially at the hands of law enforcement agents.

Between January 2019 and June 2022, the agency documented 759 individual attacks against journalists, including five killings, during 89 elections in 70 countries. Most of these attacks – which included beating and arbitrary arrest – were committed by police and security forces.

The findings come in a report published in tandem with the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, observed annually on the 2nd of November. It examines the role of law enforcement agents, in ensuring the safety of journalists during public demonstrations and elections.

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From January 2015 to August 2021, UNESCO registered incidents in at least 101 countries where journalists were attacked while covering protests, public demonstrations and riots. At least 13 were reportedly killed in such contexts. Journalists were injured by police firing non-lethal ammunition, such as rubber bullets or pepper balls. Many others were arrested, beaten and in a few cases humiliated.

“At the same time, a significant number of physical and verbal attacks were perpetrated by demonstrators and people attending the protests,” the report said.

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In his message for the Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres underlined the risks journalists face in fulfilling their vital role in both upholding and enabling democracy and holding power to account.

“Today and every day, we are grateful to the journalists and all media professionals who risk their health and lives to keep us informed, and to keep the truth alive,” he said.

Citing UNESCO, Guterres stated that at least 88 journalists were killed in the line of duty in 2022, marking a sharp increase over preceding years.

“The current conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory is taking a horrific toll on journalists,” he added.

Furthermore, the UN chief noted that the majority of journalists killed are not war reporters. Rather, they are working in countries that are at peace, investigating issues such as corruption, trafficking, human rights violations, and environmental issues.

“I am deeply alarmed by these figures, and by the rise in threats of all kinds against journalists.

“Detention of journalists is at an all-time high. Online harassment of journalists, particularly women, is being used as a tool to silence them. We need better safeguards to defend the journalists who are keeping us informed,” he said.

The Secretary-General called on all States to prevent violence against journalists, to provide a safe environment for them to do their jobs, to bring to justice those who commit crimes against them, and to ensure support for victims and survivors.