UNESCO will mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists and release its biennial Director-General’s Report on the killing of journalists, media workers and social media producers engaged in journalistic activities. A panel of distinguished journalists will speak about the danger journalists face as they seek to investigate and report the news in Southeast Asia.
In 2026, these efforts come at a particularly critical moment. According to the UNESCO Observatory of Killed Journalists, 30 media professionals have been killed worldwide so far in 2026. Findings from the 2026 Director-General’s Report point to an alarming reality: Killings of journalists are increasing, 86% remain unresolved, and new threats are emerging, including the growing use of drones in conflict zones.
This situation requires a concerted response from governments, officials, journalists, civil society representatives and the general public, based on four core principles. First, ensuring accountability – meaning that no crime against a journalist should remain without investigation or consequence. Second, seeking justice – because impunity fuels further violence and undermines freedom of expression. Third, providing protection – reflecting the reality that the safety of journalists is essential to the public’s right to information. And finally, upholding truth – because silencing journalists ultimately means silencing the stories and information they bring to society.
Welcome address: UNESCO Representative.
Panelists:
Thu Thu Aung, editor-in-chief, Frontier Myanmar;
May Wong, Indochina bureau chief, The Straits Times;
Other panelists to be announced.
Moderator: FCCT board member.
For in-person or online participation, please register here.
