Reporters Without Borders Identified Mexico as one of the Most Dangerous Countries for Journalists in 2024

In its 2024 report, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) identified Mexico as one of the most perilous countries for journalists, highlighting its position as one of the most violent places for reporters outside of war zones. The International Human Rights Organization reported that over the past decade, Mexico accounted for 30% of all journalist disappearance cases worldwide.

The report ranked Mexico among the top three most dangerous countries for journalism in 2024, trailing only Palestine and Pakistan. Five journalists were killed in Mexico during the year, reflecting a decrease in violence compared to previous years, such as 2022, when 15 journalists were murdered. However, insecurity and impunity continue to threaten media professionals, with tactics like forced disappearances remaining prevalent alongside murder.

According to the report, nearly 100 journalists are currently missing worldwide, with over a quarter of these disappearances occurring in the past decade. Mexico was highlighted as a particularly hazardous country, accounting for over 30% of all missing journalist cases globally.

Since 1964, when the government began recording cases, Mexico has reported more than 116,000 forced disappearances. These crimes have become a preferred method of repression for both criminal groups and state security agencies. The past six years have been especially alarming, with a person disappearing in Mexico every hour on average.

RSF’s report also identified the Israeli army as the primary “predator of press freedom” in 2024. In contrast, for countries like Pakistan, Sudan, Colombia, Honduras, Chad, and Mexico, the leading threats to journalists were attributed to “unidentified armed groups.”

In Mexico, aside from a diminished presence of paramilitary forces, the violence against journalists is largely linked to drug trafficking organizations. International drug cartels such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the New Generation Jalisco Cartel remain significant perpetrators, using violence to maintain control over the drug trade and enforce their dominance.

The report underscores the persistent challenges facing journalists in Mexico, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to combat impunity and safeguard press freedom in the region.

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