99 world journalists have died on duty in 2009, 37 of whom have been killed in the Philippines according to data by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN - IFRA).

The Philippines are cited by WAN as the most hazardous destination for the world press for 2009.

Somalia and Mexico are the second riskiest destinations for journalists – an overall of nine press people were killed there in 2009, while 8 reporters have died in Pakistan. Iraq and Afghanistan continue to be deadly destinations for the world press with a toll of 6 people for 2009.

Russia is dubbed the most dangerous country in Europe for journalists – 6 world press people have been killed there and one has been arrested and put in prison.

On-duty casualties include reporters, cameramen and photographers. A number of editors have also been killed, including Shafig Amrahov, editor for the Russian website RIA 52, Yaroslav Yaroshenko, editor-in-chief of the Russian “Korruptsiya i Prestupnost” (Corruption and Crime) and the Russian investigative journalist, Malik Hakhidilov, based in the Southern Republic of Dagestan and deputy editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper “Hakikat” (The Truth).

The only journalist killed in India is also an editor.

According to WAN data over 136 journalists have been jailed at different parts of the world. The greatest number are in China (24), Iran ranks second with 23 imprisoned journalists while Cuba is third with 22.

WAN statistics do not include murder cases of journalists in Bulgaria. No press people have been tried and put in jail in Bulgaria either.

Data by WAN has been released on World Press Freedom Day (May 3) which marks the importance of free speech and reminds governments to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as it is stipulated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

UNESCO marks World Press Freedom Day by conferring the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize on a deserving individual, organization or institution that has made an outstanding contribution to the defense and/or promotion of press freedom anywhere in the world, especially when this has been achieved in the face of danger.

Created in 1997, the prize is awarded on the recommendation of an independent jury of 14 news professionals. Names are submitted by regional and international non-governmental organizations working for press freedom, and by UNESCO member states.