Navigating Journalism: Confronting Impunity in the Modern Era

November 1, 2025

Rising Violence and Impunity Threaten Journalists Globally

New York, NY – A chilling trend of escalating violence and impunity is engulfing journalists worldwide, according to reports released this week coinciding with the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on November 2nd.Despite journalism not being statistically among the most risky professions when compared to sectors like construction or fishing,attacks on the press represent a intentional assault on freedom of expression and democratic principles.

A Disturbing Rise in Attacks

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the severity of the situation, stating that impunity “is not only an injustice to the victims and their families – it is indeed an assault on press freedom, an invitation to further violence, and a threat to democracy itself.” This year, the focus has shifted to the growing threats faced by women journalists in the digital sphere-specifically, the alarming increase in AI-facilitated gender-based violence.

UNESCO‘s 2025 theme, “Chat GBV: Raising Awareness on AI-facilitated Gender-Based Violence Against Women Journalists,” highlights a startling acceleration in the number, type, and reach of threats directed towards female reporters. This digital violence has a chilling effect on freedom of expression globally.

Impunity Rates Remain Alarmingly High

Data reveals a consistent lack of accountability for crimes against journalists. UNESCO reports an 85% global impunity rate for journalist killings between 2006 and 2024. A recent report by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative paints an even grimmer picture, revealing a 96% impunity rate for killings of journalists within the Commonwealth between 2006 and 2023 – only eight of 213 cases were resolved.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ),wich has been documenting attacks on journalists as 1992,recorded a 77% impunity index in 2024. Last year, Haiti topped CPJ’s Impunity Index, and Israel appeared on the list for the first time, reflecting a record number of Palestinian journalists killed. CPJ documented 361 journalists imprisoned globally as of December 1, 2024 – the second-highest number ever recorded.

Institution	Impunity Rate (year)
UNESCO	85% (2006-2024)
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative	96% (2006-2023)
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)	77% (2024)

Shifting Dynamics and New Challenges

While overall impunity rates remain stubbornly high, the nature of attacks is evolving. CPJ has suspended its annual Impunity Index, acknowledging the growing complexity and escalation of threats, spanning from war zones to online harassment. Agence France-Presse’s global news director, Phil Chetwyn, noted that the first half of 2025 saw a decline in the climate for journalists “to levels not seen in decades,” characterized by escalated violence, intimidation, and censorship.

Reporters Without Borders documented 50 journalist killings between January and October 2025, while UNESCO’s Observatory of Killed Journalists recorded 84 fatalities for the year. The rise in online violence against women journalists, including threats and harassment in conflict zones like Ukraine, is notably concerning.

Did You Know? More than 5.6 billion people have experienced a decline in their freedom of expression over the last decade, according to Article 19’s Global Expression Report 2025.

Global Restrictions and Political Interference

Freedom of expression is deteriorating globally. Article 19’s Global Expression Report 2025 reveals that repression has increased for 80% of the world’s population. Only 35 countries are currently ranked as “Open,” and repression has increased for 80% of the global population. Several nations are enacting restrictive laws and hindering press access, while others are actively targeting journalists.

The United States,formerly a champion of free speech,has also been criticized for actions perceived as unfriendly towards the press,including sanctioning human rights organizations investigating alleged war crimes and facing claims of manipulating the media

Do you believe that stronger international resolutions are needed to protect journalists and ensure accountability for crimes committed against them? What specific steps can be taken to combat the rising tide of online violence targeting women journalists?

Protecting Press Freedom: A Long-Term Struggle

The fight for press freedom is an ongoing one,requiring sustained effort from governments,international organizations,and civil society. Strengthening legal frameworks to protect journalists, investigating and prosecuting attacks, and promoting media literacy are crucial steps. Supporting self-reliant media outlets and fostering a culture of respect for journalists are also vital.

Frequently Asked Questions About Journalist Safety

• What is ‘Impunity’ in the context of journalist safety? Impunity refers to the failure to investigate and prosecute those responsible for crimes against journalists,allowing perpetrators to act without fear of consequences.
• What is AI-facilitated gender-based violence against journalists? This refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies (like deepfakes and automated harassment campaigns) to target women journalists with online abuse and threats.
• What is the role of UNESCO in protecting journalists? UNESCO monitors worldwide violence against journalists, promotes media freedom, and advocates for ending impunity.
• What can individuals do to support journalists? Sharing their work, supporting press freedom organizations, and advocating for stronger protections are impactful actions.
• Why are women journalists particularly vulnerable to attacks? Women journalists often face gender-specific threats, including sexual harassment, online abuse, and targeted violence, both online and offline.

Share this article and join the conversation about protecting press freedom. Let your voice be heard!

How do weak legal frameworks contribute to impunity for crimes against journalists?

The Escalating Threats to Press Freedom

The landscape for journalism is increasingly perilous.While democratic ideals champion a free press, the reality is a surge in attacks against journalists globally. This isn’t limited to war zones; impunity for crimes against journalists is a growing concern even in established democracies. Understanding the nuances of these threats – from legal harassment to physical violence and digital attacks – is crucial for navigating this complex era. Press freedom,journalist safety,and media freedom are no longer abstract concepts but daily battles.

Defining Impunity & Its Root causes

Impunity, in the context of journalism, refers to the failure to investigate and prosecute those responsible for crimes against journalists. This creates a chilling effect, silencing critical voices and undermining the public’s right to information. several factors contribute to this:

* Weak Legal Frameworks: Insufficient laws protecting journalists and a lack of political will to enforce them.

* corruption: Corruption within law enforcement and the judiciary hinders impartial investigations.

* Political Interference: governments using legal mechanisms to suppress dissent and target critical media.

* Organized Crime: Journalists investigating organized crime, corruption, or drug trafficking are notably vulnerable.

* Lack of International Pressure: Insufficient condemnation and sanctions from international bodies.

Digital Security & The Rise of Online Harassment

The digital realm presents both opportunities and dangers for journalists. While the internet facilitates information gathering and dissemination, it also exposes journalists to new forms of attack. Digital security for journalists is paramount.

Common Digital Threats

* Surveillance: Governments and malicious actors using elegant tools to monitor journalists’ communications.

* Hacking & Data Breaches: Compromising journalists’ devices and accessing sensitive information.

* Doxing: Publishing journalists’ personal information online, leading to harassment and threats.

* Online Harassment & Trolling: Coordinated campaigns to intimidate and silence journalists, often fueled by disinformation.

* Phishing Attacks: Deceptive emails or messages designed to steal credentials.

Practical Digital Security Measures

1. Strong Passwords & Two-Factor Authentication: Essential for all accounts.
2. Encryption: Using encrypted messaging apps (Signal, Wire) and email services (ProtonMail).
3. VPNs: Virtual Private networks to mask IP addresses and encrypt internet traffic.
4. Secure Devices: Regularly updating software and using anti-malware protection.
5. Digital Hygiene training: Journalists need ongoing training on identifying and mitigating digital threats. Resources like the Committee to Protect journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) offer valuable training materials.

Legal Protections & Advocacy Efforts

Strengthening legal frameworks and advocating for journalist safety are vital steps in combating impunity. Media law, freedom of expression, and source protection are key areas of focus.

International Legal Standards

* Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 19): Guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

* International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 19): Reinforces the right to freedom of expression.

* UNESCO Resolutions: Numerous resolutions condemning violence against journalists and promoting press freedom.

National Legal Reforms

* Decriminalizing Defamation: Removing imprisonment as a penalty for defamation.

* Protecting Sources: Implementing strong shield laws to protect journalists’ confidential sources.

* Access to Information Laws: Ensuring journalists have access to government information.

* Self-reliant Media Councils: Establishing independent bodies to investigate complaints against the media and promote ethical journalism.

The Role of Advocacy Organizations

organizations like CPJ, RSF, and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) play a crucial role in:

* Monitoring Attacks on Journalists: Documenting and reporting on incidents of violence and harassment.

* Advocating for Legal Reforms: Lobbying governments to strengthen legal protections for journalists.

* Providing support to Journalists: Offering emergency assistance, legal aid, and digital security training.

* Raising Awareness: Publicizing the issue of impunity and mobilizing international pressure.

Case Study: Daphne Caruana Galizia – A Stark Reminder

The assassination of Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017 serves as a chilling example of the consequences of impunity. Galizia was investigating high-level corruption when she was killed by a car bomb. The investigation into her murder revealed a network of political and business interests implicated in the attack. While some individuals have been arrested and charged, the full extent of the conspiracy and the masterminds behind it remain unclear. This case highlights the importance of independent investigations, strong legal frameworks, and international pressure in holding perpetrators