The global landscape for journalists is increasingly perilous, with a surge in attacks on press freedom and media workers. In 2024, the Committee to Protect Journalists reported a disturbing trend of escalating violence against journalists, resulting in the highest number of media workers killed in three decades. Tragically, 124 journalists and media workers lost their lives, with a significant portion being Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Gaza and the West Bank. The threats extend beyond physical violence, with journalists in various countries facing imprisonment, harassment, and online abuse.

Governments and authoritarian regimes worldwide are tightening their grip on independent news outlets, contributing to a chilling effect on journalism. Notably, former US President Donald Trump’s hostile rhetoric towards journalists as “enemies of the people” has further fueled this hostile environment. As the world marks Unesco’s World Press Freedom Day, the critical importance of safeguarding a free and independent media is underscored.

Journalists operating in conflict zones such as Afghanistan are particularly vulnerable, with female reporters living in constant fear under Taliban rule. The Guardian’s Rights and Freedom series sheds light on these harrowing stories and advocates for press freedom globally. Readers are urged to support independent news organizations and champion the protection of journalists as they bravely uphold the values of journalism as a public service. In a climate where press freedom is under siege, it is imperative to defend the rights of journalists and uphold international human rights laws to ensure their safety and freedom to report without fear.