In Ukraine, at least 22 media workers have been killed in the line of duty since the beginning of the war. Despite this, Ukrainian journalists have continued to report from the frontlines, ensuring people in Ukraine and in the rest of the world remain informed.
Prosecutors, along with law enforcement and judicial actors, play a crucial role in protecting journalists, ensuring respect for freedom of expression, and combating impunity for crimes against media professionals.
In February 2025, UNESCO, in partnership with the Regional Press Development Institute () and the Ukrainian Prosecutors' Training Center, launched an online course on international freedom of expression standards, accessible to all 5000 prosecutors in Ukraine. In just one month, the course has seen almost 200 prosecutors enrolled.
This builds on activities initiated under the partnership in 2024, including in-person trainings for 50 prosecutors. These addressed topics such as the different kinds of threats faced by journalists, methods for assessing evidence, criminal defamation, protection of journalistic sources, safeguarding victims and witnesses, and fostering international cooperation in cases involving crimes against media professionals.
This project is part of UNESCO’s ongoing Judges’ Initiative, which has strengthened the capacities on international legal standards for freedom of expression and the safety of journalists of over 36,000 judicial actors since 2013. In Ukraine, 91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ also translated and broadly distributed a Ukrainian version of its , a reference document available in 18 languages.
With the support of Japan and within its emergency assistance programme for Ukraine, UNESCO is also providing essential protective equipment, mental health support, and trainings to support journalists in navigating these dangerous conditions. Additionally, the Organization advocates for policies that protect press freedom and reduce impunity for crimes against journalists, in particular through the Global Media Defense Fund.
