Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has released its annual report, revealing that 45 journalists were killed while on the job in the first 11 months of the year, marking a decline from last year’s worldwide total. Despite this decrease, RSF’s report emphasizes the significant toll taken on journalists during the Israel-Palestinian war, with Gaza being the most lethal place for journalists in 2023.
According to RSF, 13 journalists lost their lives while actively covering the war in Gaza, bringing the total number of journalist deaths in the region to 56. RSF Secretary-General, Christophe Deloire, expressed concern over the heavy price journalists are paying in Gaza, stating, “Among civilians in Gaza, journalists are paying a heavy price.” The report also highlights that since the war broke out on October 7, 63 journalists have been killed in the Middle East, 17 of whom RSF defines as being killed “in the exercise of their duties or in connection with their status as a journalist.”
RSF has taken action in response to these deaths, filing a complaint at the International Criminal Court for “war crimes” over the killings of journalists in the current conflict between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas. This echoes calls for war crime investigations by rights watchdogs Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, who conducted independent inquiries and concluded that Israeli forces likely deliberately targeted reporters covering the hostilities. One example highlighted in the report is the killing of Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah, who was wearing a clearly marked press vest and was killed by Israeli fire in southern Lebanon, far from active combat.
Despite the high death toll in the Gaza war, RSF notes that the overall number of journalists killed in the line of duty in 2023 was the lowest in decades. This decline is attributed to fewer journalists being targeted in Latin America, as well as less violence in countries like Syria and Iraq. Deloire acknowledges the tragedy in Gaza but emphasizes the positive trend, stating, “It takes nothing away from the tragedy in Gaza but we are observing a regular decline, and are very far from the 140 journalists killed in 2012 and again in 2013” due to conflicts in Syria and Iraq. RSF credits this decline to efforts by intergovernmental organizations and NGOs to combat impunity, as well as increased caution among journalists themselves.
While Latin America saw a drop in journalist deaths, Ukraine and Mexico remained dangerous for journalists. In Ukraine, two journalists were killed while covering the war in 2023, including AFP reporter Arman Soldin. RSF also highlights the reduced number of journalist deaths in Mexico, with four reported in 2023 compared to 11 the previous year. However, RSF warns that Mexico remains a dangerous country for journalists, citing ongoing kidnappings and attacks. The report also reveals that out of the 84 journalists counted as missing worldwide, approximately one-third are from Mexico.
The report also sheds light on the number of journalists behind bars, which decreased from 569 in 2022 to 521 in 2023. Belarus joins China and Myanmar as “one of the three biggest prisons in the world” for journalists, while Turkey and Iran are highlighted for repeatedly imprisoning journalists. Additionally, the report states that 54 journalists are currently being held hostage, a decrease from 65 in 2022.
RSF’s annual report serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by journalists worldwide and the need for continued efforts to protect their safety and freedom.
