UNESCO: 68 journalists and media professionals were killed during the current year, including 18 in Palestine

In a report issued today, Thursday, the organization reported that more than 60 percent of those killed were working in countries experiencing conflict, adding that this is the highest percentage in more than ten years.

According to the UNESCO report, among the 42 deaths in countries facing conflicts, 18 of these deaths occurred in PalestineFour in Ukraine, four in Colombia, three in Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar and Sudan, and one each in Syria, Chad, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, stressed that reliable information is vital in conflict situations and it is unacceptable for journalists to pay with their lives for their work. Azoulay called on all countries to intensify efforts and ensure the protection of media workers, in accordance with international law.

The report indicated that this year, a smaller number of journalists were killed while working outside countries experiencing conflict, as their number reached 26 deaths. He added that this was the lowest total in sixteen years, noting that this progress may have been achieved – in some countries not affected by conflict – as a result of combating attacks against journalists.