UN rights chief calls Gaza ‘death trap’ for journalists

The UN’s top human rights official has raised concern over a rising wave of attacks on journalists around the world, saying it is weakening press freedom, accountability, and democratic systems.

Marking World Press Freedom Day on Sunday, Volker Türk said a free press remains “the oxygen of a free and open society.” He stressed that journalism plays a key role in shaping public debate, exposing wrongdoing, and ensuring transparency in governance.

He warned that reporting has become increasingly dangerous in many parts of the world. According to him, at least 14 journalists have been killed so far this year alone. He also pointed out that over the past 20 years, only around one in ten killings of journalists has resulted in full accountability.

Türk further highlighted the risks faced by reporters working in conflict zones. He described the situation in the war in Gaza as particularly severe, calling it a “death trap” for media workers. He noted that nearly 300 journalists have been k!lled since October 2023 during Israel’s ongoing military operations there.