Six out of seven killings of journalists globally remain unresolved, Unesco warned on Monday, calling for urgent action to end persistent impunity and protect media personnel.
In a statement issued from Dhaka to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the UN agency stressed that journalist safety is essential to freedom of expression and the public’s right to know.
Observing this year’s commemoration under the theme “Threats Evolve. Impunity Endures.”, Unesco recorded 189 killings of journalists, media workers, and social media producers engaged in journalistic activity across 2024 and 2025.
Sixty-seven per cent of these killings occurred in countries experiencing armed conflict, while the global impunity rate stands at 86 per cent.
Emphasising the steps needed to tackle the crisis, Unesco stated that ending impunity requires accountability when attacks occur, alongside effective prevention, timely responses to threats, and sustained protection for journalists.
“Protecting journalists strengthens accountability and protects everyone’s right to know,” said Susan Vize, head of office and Unesco representative to Bangladesh.
Strengthening journalist safety in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, Unesco is actively strengthening journalist safety through the United Nations Electoral Assistance Project, BALLOT, working with implementing partners and generous donor support.
BALLOT records show almost 3,000 attendances across nationwide journalist training activities through September this year. Each training session included a full-day Safety of Journalists module, featuring dedicated training for around 200 women journalists and 24 photojournalists.
Ahead of the national elections, Unesco distributed 60 protective vests, 4,000 Journalist Resource Cards, and 7,500 Election Reporting Manuals to support reporters in the field.
Training and dialogue have also strengthened engagement between the Bangladesh Election Commission and the media, as well as police–media cooperation, with journalist safety placed at the centre of these efforts.
Additionally, the Bangladesh Journalism Conference brought together 500 participants, while youth initiatives support visual literacy and safe, responsible digital engagement.
Unesco urged governments and all relevant stakeholders to prevent attacks against journalists, protect those at risk, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
