62 journalists lost their lives in 2020, according to UNESCO

According to UNESCO, in 2020 alone, 62 journalists have been killed for doing their job. From 2006, over 1,200 professionals lost their lives for the same reason and in 90% of the cases, the killers go unpunished. On the 2nd of November, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, UNESCO strengthened the importance of prosecutorial services, not only in bringing killers to justice, but also prosecuting threats of violence.

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, marked in a message that “Crimes against journalists have an enormous impact on society as a whole because they prevent people from making informed decisions.” He also noted that women journalists are at particular risk. According to a recent UNESCO paper, 73% of female journalists have been threatened, intimidated and insulted online because of their work. Mr. Guterres urged States to stand in solidarity with journalists around the world, taking all the necessary measures to investigate and prosecute these crimes.

The President of the General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid, joined this discourse underlying the particular vulnerability of women journalists, pointing out that their existence is threatened by misogynist groups who make their work and career not safe. He invited everyone to stand up against violence toward journalists and to make journalism a safe space for women.