The Lethal War On Journalists And Journalism Must End

As indigenous journalists and media practitioners who are on the margins telling the truth from corners long forgotten or conflict-ridden, we state our unwavering solidarity with journalists who are reporting with facts from the frontlines of Israel’s war on Palestine. This unprecedented war has claimed the lives of 37 journalists and media workers since October 7 out of an estimated 11000 killed as per the report of the Committee to Protect Journalists which further states that as of November 6:

37 journalists and media workers were confirmed dead: 32 Palestinian, 4 Israeli, and 1 Lebanese.
8 journalists were reported injured.
3 journalists were reported missing.
8 journalists were reported arrested.
Multiple assaults, threats, cyberattacks, censorship, and killings of family members.

The deaths of journalists reporting from hostile environments are a grim reminder of the dire need to protect and support those who strive to report the truth—particularly those who have been killed or injured reporting from a long-standing and deadliest war yet. As per Reporters Without Borders, “more reporters killed during the start of war than in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen or Ukraine” including some who have lost their entire families, a ghastly fact we must collectively ensure does not recur to guarantee our basic human right and protection of truth versus the deluge of States sponsored propaganda. 

In the last decade alone, the world has lived through insurmountable odds from multiple climate and geopolitical humanitarian crises, shrinking civic spaces, and dismantling of global democracies; all of which have acerbated attacks on freedom of the Press, a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the right to access information. Never before has providing a voice to the voiceless and reporting on the human condition proved more life-threatening. 

We, the members of the Indigenous Voices in Asia network call for a thorough investigation into these tragic losses and a commitment to ending impunity for those responsible. We ask governments, media houses, and civil society for unfaltering, sincere support and commitment to protecting the Press. It is critical that journalists can carry out their vital work without fear of reprisal and for their safety, and that those who harm or target them are held accountable for their actions through due process. 

We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who have paid the ultimate price for their dedication to journalism, and we reaffirm our commitment to a world where their sacrifices are never forgotten. 

Indigenous Voices in Asia Network Members: 

Mia Magdalena C. Fokno
Facts First PH, Philippines

Gwendolyn Gay L. Gaongen
104.7FM Radyo Sagada, Philippines

Amanda Mojilip
Media Unit Coordinator, PACOS Trust, Malaysia

Phnom Thano
Chairman, Indigenous Media Network, Thailand

Dev Kumar Sunuwar, 
Chairman, Indigenous Television, Nepal 

Antani Rema
Editor in Chief, IP NEWS, Bangladesh

Satej Chakma
Sub-Editor, IP NEWS, Bangladesh 

Lalnunkimi Colney
East Mojo, Guwahati, India

Dr. Johnson Jament
Coastal Indigenous Peoples South India

Thamir Kashyap 
Independent Journalist, Bastar, India 

Jacinta Kerketta
Independent Journalist, Jharkhand, India 

Makepeace Sitlhou
Independent Journalist, Guwahati, India

Nina J. Sangma
Communications Programme Coordinator, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact, Thailand

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