The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has published its full report on the number of journalists and media staff killed across the globe in 2013. Titled “In Mortal Danger: Journalist & Media Staff Killed in 2013“,the report released on February 14, 2014, provides information on the 105 journalists and media staff that lost their lives in targeted attacks, bomb attacks and other cross fire incidents during the year, while also raising awareness on the continued safety crisis around the globe. There were also updates on 15 accidental deaths recorded in 2013.
Documenting the precarious and often brutal situation for journalists reporting in areas of conflict, war and political unrest, the IFJ report shows that the deadliest regions for journalists in 2013 were Asia Pacific with 29% of the killings, and the Middle East and Arab World with 27%, while the most dangerous countries for media staff were Syria, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iraq and India.
The report features regional insights on the situation of press freedom in the Middle East & Arab World, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa and Latin American regions. It also highlights the continued security risks to women journalists and the support provided by the IFJ’s International Safety Fund to journalists and media staff in need.
“The media death toll of 2013 confirms the abject failure of governments to hold accountable those who are responsible for violence against journalists, which has entrenched the culture of impunity for attacks on media professionals,” the report stresses.
“There is an urgent need for governments to protect and enforce journalists’ basic right to life. Governments across the world must take drastic action to stem the bloodbath in media.”
Click here to read the report.
