United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) says 55 journalists and media professionals were killed in 2021.
The world body condemned the impunity against journalists, describing it as “alarmingly widespread”.
Data made public on Thursday decried that nearly 9 in 10 killings remain unresolved since 2006.
UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay lamented that “too many” members of the press paid the ultimate price to bring truth to light.
“The world needs independent, factual information more than ever. We must do more to ensure that those who work tirelessly to provide this can do so without fear”, Azoulay said.
UNESCO highlighted the many dangers reporters face in covering stories and exposing wrongdoing – imprisonment, physical attack, intimidation and harassment when reporting on protests.
Azoulay condemned the killing of Myanmar journalist Sai Win Aung a.k.a. ‘A Sai K’ on December 25 while reporting the plight of refugees in Kayin.
Working for Federal News Journal, he was shot in an artillery attack by the Myanmar armed forces.
UNESCO raises awareness through World Press Freedom Day every May 3, and coordinates the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
Discussion about this post