Brussels: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) announced that 111 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide in 2025.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the IFJ released its annual report on International Human Rights Day, December 10, documenting the deaths of 111 journalists and media workers, including seven female journalists. The report emphasized that this year has been particularly deadly for media professionals, with killings in Gaza/Palestine accounting for 46% of the worldwide fatalities.
The IFJ report further revealed that the Middle East and the Arab world, for the third consecutive year, were the most affected regions, recording 69 killings, including 51 in Palestine. Yemen followed with 13 deaths, while Ukraine reported eight. Sudan recorded six deaths, and four journalists were killed in India. The Philippines, Mexico, Peru, and Pakistan each reported the loss of three journalists.
The report highlights the extreme dangers faced by media workers in conflict zones and calls for urgent measures to strengthen their protection and hold perpetrators accountable. In 2024, the IFJ documented 122 deaths, including 14 female journalists, and 516 detentions.
In Asia and the Pacific, 15 journalists were killed, with India, Pakistan, and the Philippines being the most affected. The report also noted the brutal murder of Indian journalist Mukesh Chandrakar. The region remains the world’s worst jailer of journalists, with 277 imprisoned, led by China, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
In Europe, 10 journalists were killed, mostly in Ukraine, marking a significant level of violence on the continent. The report mentions the use of drones to target journalists, resulting in several deaths. Arrests in Europe have risen to 149, the highest since 2018.
Africa saw nine media worker deaths, with Sudan being the most dangerous. Journalists have been targeted in the ongoing civil war. Eritrea tops the list of African countries imprisoning journalists.
In the Americas, eight journalists were killed, with Mexico and Peru being the most perilous. The report highlights the alarming situation in Peru, which had not recorded journalist killings for nearly a decade.
IFJ President Dominique Bradley expressed concern over the rising killings and arrests of journalists in 2025, criticizing the lack of response from governments. He urged for an international mechanism to ensure journalists’ safety and called on UN member states to take immediate action to protect press freedom and ensure justice for media workers.