The Deadliest Countries for Members of the Press in 2021

The world continues to be a dangerous one for journalists, according to the latest report from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which notes that at least 27 journalists were killed while doing their jobs in 2021. The total number of media workers who have been killed has risen by three since CPJ published a December 9 report on attacks on the press. CPJ points out that while “the overall total of journalist deaths dropped from 2020’s number of 32, the number of confirmed retaliatory murders remained roughly the same, suggesting that journalists continue to be seen as targets.”

Topping the list of deadliest countries are India (four confirmed murders) and Mexico (three confirmed murders). Most of the deaths occurred in the Middle East and across Southeast Asia, with killings reported in such places as Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Myanmar, and the Philippines. In Africa, journalists were killed in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Somalia, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo. All of these places have experienced significant political disorder over the last year. For instance, journalists have been targeted amid an ethnic cleansing campaign in Tigray; by the Taliban following their return to power in Afghanistan following the fall of Kabul; and in Myanmar, where the military junta continues to act with impunity toward members of the press and the rest of the citizenry in equal measure.

The majority of journalists who were killed were killed while reporting the news in their home countries, the report continues, with most of frequently suspected killers of journalists being political groups and government combatants, underscoring the realities faced by journalists who have increasingly become the target of states.

CPJ is currently investigating the deaths of 18 other journalists to determine if their deaths were work-related.

The report comes mere weeks after a United Nations report found that 55 journalists were killed in 2021. The report claims that impunity is “alarmingly widespread” and, according to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), while “the number of victims stands at its lowest for a decade” there are still “many dangers that reporters face in trying to cover stories and expose wrongdoing.” Soberingly, women journalists continue to face high risks, and data indicates that nearly three-quarters of female media professionals have been targeted online because of their work.

Earlier this month, CPJ named Internews Europe CEO Jodie Ginsberg, who previously worked as a foreign correspondent for Reuters and has a history of overseeing research and advocacy projects on press freedom, its new President. In accepting her new appointment, which will require her to relocate from the United Kingdom to New York, Ginsberg highlighted continued attacks against members of the press.

“The past two years have shown just how vital a role the press plays in our global world,” Ginsberg said. “Journalists help hold power to account, expose corruption and injustice and shine a spotlight on the most important issues of our day – from health to climate to social change. For that, far too many face a growing threat of violence and harassment. I am determined to help reverse this trend and am honored to be leading CPJ at such a critical juncture.”