The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on Friday published its annual report saying that 45 journalists and media workers were killed in 2021 in 20 countries, which shows a drop from 65 killings in 2020.

The IFJ says that since 1991, 2721 journalists have been killed around the world.

“The figure represents one of the lowest death tolls since the IFJ began publishing annual reports on journalists killed in work-related incidents, including targeted killings, crossfire fatalities as well as bomb attacks,” IFJ said.

According to IFJ figures, the Asia Pacific region has the highest number with 20 killings, followed by Americas 10, Africa 8, Europe 6 and the Middle East and Arab World just one case.

“While this decrease is welcome news, it is small comfort in the face of continued violence which claimed lives of journalists in countries like Afghanistan (9), Mexico (8), India (4) and Pakistan (3),” IFJ said.

Among these 20 countries, Afghanistan has the highest number of journalists being killed and thus was named "the most dangerous country for journalists in 2021."

“These 45 colleagues we lost to violence this year remind us of the terrible sacrifice journalists across the world continue to pay for serving the public interest and we remain in the debt to them and thousands of others who paid the ultimate price," said IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger. "The IFJ believes that the only tribute fit for the cause to which they gave their lives should be unrelenting pursuit for justice to them. That’s why we continue to advocate for the adoption of a new United Nations Convention for the protection of journalists which would ensure accountability for journalists’ killings.”