The global unresolved rate for journalist killings rose to 86%

UNESCO's biennial report recorded 189 journalists and media workers killed in 2024–2025, 20% more than the previous period, with 86% of cases unresolved—the first increase since the agency began measuring the rate in 2012. Conflict zones accounted for 127 deaths, 50 were caused by drone strikes, and 15 journalists were killed while wearing press vests or travelling in clearly marked media vehicles. In non-conflict countries the unresolved rate fell from 94% in 2012 to 77% in 2026, showing that investment in investigation, prosecution and protection can still change outcomes.