GENEVA: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has released its annual report, revealing a decrease in the number of journalists killed in the line of duty this year.
According to the report, 45 journalists lost their lives in the first 11 months of 2023, down from 61 in the previous year. This marks the lowest number since 2002, primarily attributed to a significant reduction in incidents in Latin America.
Despite ongoing conflicts, including the recent events in Gaza, RSF notes a continuous decline, emphasizing a substantial drop compared to the peak of 140 journalists killed in both 2012 and 2013 due to conflicts in Syria and Iraq. RSF Secretary General Christophe Deloire credited the reduction to collaborative efforts by inter-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations to combat impunity, along with increased caution by journalists themselves.
In the Middle East, where conflicts like the Israel-Hamas confrontation have occurred, RSF reported 17 journalist deaths meeting their criteria since October 7. Of these, 13 were killed by Israeli fire in Gaza, three in Lebanon, and one in Israel by Hamas. RSF had filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court in November, describing these deaths as potential “war crimes.”
The war in Ukraine claimed the lives of two reporters in 2023, including AFP reporter Arman Soldin, the sole journalist to lose their life outside their home country. Since the conflict’s onset in February 2022, a total of 11 reporters have been killed.
Latin America witnessed a significant drop in journalist deaths, with six reporters killed, down from 26 in 2022. Mexico, specifically, saw a decrease from 11 to four. RSF cautioned, however, that Mexico remains perilous for journalists due to continued kidnappings and attacks.
The report highlighted the global situation of jailed reporters, noting a decline from 569 in 2022 to 521 in 2023. Belarus joined China and Myanmar as one of the world’s three largest prisons for journalists. other states were also identified for repeatedly imprisoning journalists. The number of reporters being held hostage decreased from 65 in 2022 to 54 in 2023.
