On 4 February, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) issued its report on the killings of journalists in 2008 with a warning that 2009 could be the deadliest year yet for journalists. A wave of killings in the first days of the new year have undermined hopes that the falling death toll recorded in 2008 was the first sign of a change in the pattern of killings which have risen dramatically in recent years. The most recent cases of media killings with impunity in Africa include the deaths of four journalists; one reported in Kenya and Madagascar and two in Somalia over the last month.

IFJ says the culture of impunity for crimes against journalists and the systematic failure to respect the rights of journalists deny journalists the protection they are entitled to in their work, especially during armed conflict. Consequently, IFJ contends that the international community still needs to step up to confront the challenge of impunity in the killing of journalists. "We often see politicians, even in democratic countries showing callous indifference to the threats posed by attacks on journalists and media. That must end," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary.

To view the report please visit: http://www.ifj.org/en/articles/the-...