IFJ report: 2,297 journalists killed in 25 years

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has launched its 25th annual report into the safety of journalists and media freedom, stating that at least 2,297 members of the media have been killed since 1990, including 112 in 2015.
“This milestone publication charts the trajectory of safety crisis in journalism and bears witness to the IFJ’s long running campaign to end impunity for violence against media professionals,” said IFJ President Jim Boumelha.
“These annual reports were more than just about recording the killings of colleagues. They also represented our tribute for their courage and the ultimate sacrifice paid by journalists in their thousands who lost their lives fulfilling the role to inform and empower the public.”
The report suggests that while wars and armed conflicts account for many cases of journalists being killed, there are other factors which contribute to the fatalities across the globe.
Journalists are regularly targeted, kidnapped and killed because of their work exposing corruption, drug cartels and other instances of criminal activity.
IFJ’s general secretary, Anthony Bellanger explained: “There were other reasons, often removed from the war theatre, for targeting journalists, many of whom are victims of organised crime barons and corrupt officials.”
The report also points out the fact that impunity continues to pervade, with only one in ten deaths being investigated.
IFJ set out their campaign to promote press freedom and the safety of journalists, arguing that a multi-stakeholder approach is necessary to address the issues outlined in the report.
Bellanger added: “This starts with the understanding that everyone, governments’ officials, security and military officers as well as others who come into contact with journalists need to respect their independence.
“It requires governments to comply with their international obligations by investigating journalists’ killings and bringing those responsible to justice, thus deterring future violence,” he said, adding “it depends on the willingness of the United Nations and its agencies, as the custodians of international instruments which enshrine the right to physical integrity for all human beings, to enforce these guarantees for the benefit of journalists and other media personnel.”
Source.IFJ