Violence against journalists undermines the very foundations of open, free and democratic societies. Yet across the world, journalists continue to be killed, tortured, harassed, detained and forced into exile simply for doing their job and holding power to account.
Journalists reporting from armed conflicts face particular danger. International humanitarian law is very clear: journalists are civilians who must be protected at all times. Any attack or act of intimidation against them must be investigated promptly, independently and effectively. Perpetrators must be held to account.
These threats extend far beyond the front line. Journalists increasingly face coordinated harassment online, unlawful surveillance and campaigns designed to discredit or silence them. Transnational repression, abusive lawsuits, economic coercion, and foreign interference put pressure on independent journalism. Women journalists are disproportionately targeted, with some state and non-state actors deliberately persecuting women human rights defenders and journalists.
