(MENAFN- Khaama Press) The Committee to Protect Journalists urged sweeping global reforms after reporting over 125 media workers killed last year, mostly in conflict zones worldwide.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed deep concern over the rising violence against media workers worldwide and called for fundamental reforms to investigate and prosecute those responsible for killing journalists. The group said the past three years have been among the deadliest on record for the press.

In its latest annual report released Thursday, the organisation said more than 125 journalists and media workers were killed last year alone, with the majority of casualties occurring in conflict zones. The report described 2023 as a“catastrophic year for press freedom and journalist safety.”

According to the committee, most victims were Palestinian reporters killed during Israeli military operations. It said evidence shows that many journalists were deliberately targeted, yet no one has been held accountable in most cases.

“The lack of accountability reflects a global pattern of impunity,” the CPJ said, warning that continued inaction encourages further violence against the media. It urged governments and international institutions to adopt stronger mechanisms to protect journalists in conflict and crisis settings.

The organisation announced plans to establish an independent international task force to investigate attacks on journalists and push for targeted sanctions against individuals or entities involved in such crimes. It said it would expand cooperation with governments willing to support accountability initiatives.

Advocacy groups and press unions have long accused world powers of failing to uphold their commitments to press freedom. They argue that impunity for journalist killings erodes public trust and undermines the fundamental right to information.

The United Nations has repeatedly urged states to end impunity for crimes against journalists and ensure transparent investigations. Rights defenders say meaningful action will require political will from governments that often view independent journalism as a threat rather than a cornerstone of democracy.

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