A Dangerous World for Journalists

The killing of journalists is not merely an attack on individuals. At the same time it is an assault on press freedom, democracy and the public's right to know. Yet, across the world, those who silence journalists through violence continue to enjoy alarming levels of impunity. 

According to UNESCO, around 86 percent of killings of journalists, media workers and others engaged in journalistic activities remain unpunished. Deaths of 189 media professionals in 2024 and 2025 alone expose a deeply disturbing reality: Those who risk their lives to uncover the truth are often denied justice.

The figures become even more concerning when viewed against the backdrop of armed conflict. The latest UNESCO report also mentioned that 67 percent of the victims were killed in countries experiencing conflict, underscoring the extraordinary dangers journalists face while reporting from war zones. Whether documenting civilian casualties, exposing human rights violations or challenging powerful interests, they frequently become targets simply for doing their jobs. When perpetrators escape accountability, violence against the media becomes easier to repeat.

However, this year's International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, observed under the theme "The nature of threats is changing; impunity persists", serves as a timely reminder that threats facing journalists are evolving, while the mechanisms to protect them remain inadequate. Physical attacks, intimidation, arbitrary detention and other forms of harassment continue to undermine independent journalism. And repeated failures to investigate and prosecute such crimes send a dangerous message that attacks on the press can be committed without consequences.

In Bangladesh, the challenge of ensuring journalist safety deserves particular attention, particularly during politically sensitive periods. UNESCO's initiatives under the United Nations' electoral assistance project, BALLOT, offer an encouraging step towards addressing these concerns. By September 2026, around 3,000 journalists had received training, including nearly 200 female journalists and 24 photojournalists. Distribution of 60 protective vests, 4,000 journalist support cards and 7,500 sets of election reporting guidelines also reflects efforts to strengthen protection and preparedness.

However, training and protective equipment, though necessary, cannot guarantee safety without institutional commitment. The Election Commission, police and media organisations must work together to ensure timely responses to threats, effective protection during assignments and impartial investigations whenever journalists face violence. Those responsible for attacks must be identified and brought to justice, regardless of their influence or position.

Ultimately, press freedom cannot thrive where fear replaces truth and impunity replaces justice. Governments must recognise that protecting journalists is not a favour extended to the media but a fundamental responsibility towards society. When journalists are silenced, citizens are deprived of information, accountability weakens and democracy suffers.

The world cannot afford to treat killing of journalists as another statistic. Those who expose the truth must not pay for it with their lives. Justice delayed must not become justice denied.