IFJ reports 45 journalists and media personnel killed in workplace incidents in 2021

Today, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) released its annual list of journalists and media professionals killed in 20 countries in 2021, down from 65 killings recorded last year in 2020. According to the IFJ, 2721 journalists have been killed worldwide since 1991.

It represents one of the lowest death tolls since the International Federation of Journalists began publishing annual reports on journalists killed in work-related incidents, including targeted killings, crossfire deaths, as well as bomb attacks.

With 20 killings, the Asia-Pacific region tops the regional list, followed by the Americas (10), Africa (8), Europe (6), and the Middle East and Arab World with just one. In Iran, two journalists lost their lives in a fatal accident.

Despite this decrease, it is of little comfort in the face of continued violence that has claimed the lives of journalists in Afghanistan (9), Mexico (8), India (4), and Pakistan (3). 

Additionally, it confirms a recurring finding in these journals that more frequently than not, journalists and media workers are killed for exposing corruption, crime, and abuse of power in their cities, communities, and countries.

Recent years have seen a reduction in the risks associated with armed conflict due to fewer media professionals reporting from close-ups on war zones. As the threat of criminal gangs and drug cartels' rule from the slums of Mexico to the streets of European cities like Greece and Holland increases, many targeted killings of media workers will occur in 2021.