Translated with AI
At least 48,384 civilians were killed in armed conflicts around the world in 2024, up 40% from the previous year, according to the annual report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), published on June 18.
According to the organization, a significant portion of civilian casualties occurred in active combat zones. The document emphasizes that such scale of civilian losses "is of grave concern and requires an immediate response from the international community."
The UN report also highlights the rise in violence against human rights defenders and media representatives. Every 14 hours, at least one human rights defender or journalist is killed or disappeared around the world. In total, 82 journalists were killed in 2024, the highest number in more than a decade. In comparison, in 2023, this figure was 74.
More than 60% of killings of media professionals occurred in areas of armed conflict , which OHCHR says highlights the growing risks for journalists working in conflict and instability.
"These data reflect a worrying trend: armed conflicts increasingly affect not only the military, but also the civilian population, including those who try to objectively cover what is happening," the report says.
