UNESCO has called on governments and all relevant stakeholders to prevent attacks against journalists, protect those at risk and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, stressing that journalist safety is essential to freedom of expression and the public’s right to know.
In a statement marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on Monday, Dr Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, said evolving threats against journalists and the persistent lack of accountability for crimes against them remain major concerns.
Under this year's theme, “Threats Evolve. Impunity Endures,” the day draws attention to the growing challenges facing journalists and the need to end impunity, she said.
UNESCO recorded 189 killings of journalists, media workers and social media producers engaged in journalistic activity in 2024 and 2025, with 67 percent of the killings occurring in countries experiencing armed conflict.
Globally, the impunity rate stands at 86 percent, meaning approximately six out of seven cases remain unresolved, Vize said.
She stressed that ending impunity requires accountability when attacks occur, alongside effective prevention, timely responses to threats and protection for journalists.
Highlighting UNESCO's initiatives in Bangladesh, Vize said the organisation is strengthening journalist safety through the United Nations Electoral Assistance Project, BALLOT, in collaboration with implementing partners and with generous donor support.
According to BALLOT records, journalist training activities conducted nationwide recorded almost 3,000 attendances through September 2026, with each training programme including a full-day module on the Safety of Journalists.
The initiatives included dedicated training for around 200 women journalists and training for 24 photojournalists.
Ahead of the national elections, UNESCO distributed 60 protective vests, 4,000 Journalist Resource Cards and 7,500 Election Reporting Manuals, she said.
Training and dialogue have also strengthened engagement between the Bangladesh Election Commission and the media, as well as police-media cooperation, with journalist safety remaining central to these efforts.
The Bangladesh Journalism Conference brought together 500 participants, while youth initiatives are supporting visual literacy and safe and responsible digital engagement, Vize said.
“Protecting journalists strengthens accountability and protects everyone’s right to know,” she said.