The United Nations (UN) has called for justice for journalists killed in the line of duty, urging governments to investigate attacks, prosecute perpetrators and take action against online harassment.
In a statement marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the UN said at least 34 journalists had been killed over the past year, with 6 in 7 such killings going unpunished.
In conflict settings, the impunity rate for crimes against journalists is close to 100%, the statement said.
The UN highlighted the risks faced by media workers, including harassment, surveillance, lawsuits, physical attacks, imprisonment, torture and murder for carrying out their professional responsibilities.
It stressed that journalists play an essential role in informing the public and holding those in power accountable, adding that attacks on them undermine human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The statement called for every case of violence against journalists to be investigated, perpetrators to be prosecuted and online attacks to be addressed.
It also pointed to progress made since the launch of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity in 2012.
According to the UN, the impunity rate for crimes against journalists in countries not experiencing armed conflict has fallen from 94% to 77% since the plan was introduced.
However, the UN said further action was needed to ensure journalists could work without threats or interference.
"When journalists are targeted and their reporting is extinguished, it makes victims of us all," the statement said.
