In its annual report, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) revealed that 45 journalists were killed in 2023 executing their duties, marking the lowest toll since 2002. The report also disclosed that 54 journalists were held hostage, 84 remain missing and 521 are presently detained.
Various trends have contributed to these numbers, such as increased journalist security, especially in conflict zones where media professionals are now better trained and equipped. Additionally, enhanced regulatory frameworks and strengthened mechanisms against impunity in peaceful areas have increased protection for journalists. Another possible reason may be the rise of self-censorship among journalists facing increased risks, thus reducing their exposure to physical threats.
The report also highlighted a concerning trend: for the first time since 2018, the number of journalists killed in war zones surpassed those killed in peaceful areas. This was particularly apparent during the Israel-Hamas war, during which 17 journalists were killed in the span of two months in Gaza, Lebanon and Israel. This figure does not include the 46 journalists who died in contexts unrelated to their work.
In response, RSF has intensified its efforts towards justice for these journalists, filing complaints with the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes against journalists. Cases of particular note include the killing of Samer Abu Daqqa, an Al Jazeera journalist allegedly killed by a precision shot fired from an Israeli drone, and several complaints related to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The RSF report also showed a decrease in the arbitrary detention of journalists between 2022 and 2023. Out of 521 journalists incarcerated worldwide, 121 are imprisoned in China, making the country the world’s most substantial jailer of journalists. Belarus and Myanmar also featured in the list of countries with the highest numbers of journalists in detention.
While the number of journalists killed in Latin America, and specifically Mexico, has been on the decline, the region has a high number of journalists missing: Mexico alone accounts for 31 missing journalists. The risks faced by journalists in this region has purportedly led to increased self-censorship, contributing to the trends identified by RSF.
Christophe Deloire, RSF Secretary-General, commented on the decline in journalist fatalities: “On a global scale, it seems that the number of journalists killed in the course of their work or in connection with their work is in sharp decline, over a long period of time. The reasons? Security measures at news organisations, training and allocation of protective equipment, caution, the effects of the fight against impunity and actions by inter-governmental organisations.”