The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, stated that the Middle East has become “one of the most dangerous places ever for journalists.” In his remarks for the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, he highlighted the rising attacks against journalists globally, noting that they face killings, harassment, and imprisonment in conflict zones like Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Myanmar.
In 2023 alone, 71 journalists were killed, and over 300 were imprisoned, with female journalists often facing targeted online harassment that can escalate to physical violence. Turk emphasized the particular dangers for Palestinian journalists, calling for enhanced protections and accountability. He stressed that impunity for such attacks severely undermines justice, as more than 80% of journalist killings go unpunished, urging governments to take stronger measures to protect media workers and prosecute offenders.
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