The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today said that the number of work related killings of journalists significantly dropped in 2008 following three years of record levels. Iraq tops the list of countries where reporters face the most serious risks before India and Mexico in a year which ends with 109 killings.

"This year's fall in the number of killings of journalist is good news," said IFJ President Jim Boumelha. "However, it provides little comfort to our colleagues around the world who continue to face risks to their life for doing their job. Indeed, the report indicates that the number of killings in 2008 only average figures at the start of the war in Iraq."

Last year an all time record 179 journalists and media workers were killed and this year 109 died. There are four more cases of killed journalists which are still under investigations to determine whether their deaths are connected to their work.

The IFJ report indicates reduction both in targeted and accidental deaths. The IFJ has co-ordinated its report with the International News Safety Institute (INSI).

Iraq, which remains the world's deadliest country for journalists and media staff since the American-led invasion in 2003, has also this year's biggest fall in murder rate of journalists with 65 killings in 2007 against 16 this year. All those killed in 2008 were believed to be Iraqi nationals. It is estimated that 284 journalists have been killed in Iraq since April 2003.

According to the report's findings, local journalists covering national, local and community stories in peace time remain the main targets for deliberate attacks to intimidate and silence them.

"This report yet again makes it clear that journalists remain vulnerable to intolerance of independent media and governments' indifference to it which provides for impunity to media predators," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "Governments must show real commitment to protect journalists for this year's down trend in their murder to continue."

As of December 31, the IFJ recorded the following information on killing of journalists and media workers in 2008:

• Overall Killed                 104
• Deaths in accidents        20

• The deadliest region was Asia Pacific with 36 journalists and media workers killed. India has the region's highest death toll, following a surge in murders in insurgent-hit states in the country.

• Deadliest countries:

 
         Iraq                  16
         India                 10

        Mexico               10
   
In 2007 Pakistan, Somalia and Mexico were the most dangerous countries after Iraq. For the second year, Mexico features among the most dangerous places for journalists. The IFJ supports the running campaign against impunity in Latin America which was launched in Mexico.
 
Other hot spots:

Thailand                 9

The Philippines    8

• Pakistan            7
• Georgia              4

The full list of journalists and media workers killed in 2008 is available here

 The full IFJ report will be released in mid-January 2009.

  For more information, please contact IFJ:

President Jim Boumelha at:                                    +44 1865723450

General Secretary Aidan White:                             +32 478258669

Deputy General Secretary Paco Audije                 + 32 473 863660

Communications Officer Ernest Sagaga:              +32477714029

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 123 countries worldwide