Brussels, Dec 31 (IANS): The most dangerous country for journalists is Pakistan, where 14 media persons lost their lives in 2014, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said Wednesday.

An IFJ statement said that with 35 killings, the Asia Pacific region was the most dangerous region for journalists and media staff in the world for a second consecutive year.

The Middle East is the second most dangerous region with 31 fatalities followed by Americas with 26. Africa came fourth (17 killings) and Europe reported nine deaths.

The Federation said the figures were a reminder of the gravity of the safety crisis in the media and urged governments to ensure the safety and protection of journalists.

It cited the brutal public beheading of journalists including US freelancers James Foley and Steven Sotloff by the Islamic State as a game changer.

IFJ president Jim Boumelha said: "Failure to improve media safety will adversely impact the coverage of war which will be poorer for lack of independent witnesses."

The IFJ said another cause for killing of journalists in 2014 was the reckless attacks on them in conflict zones like Ukraine, Syria and the Gaza Strip.

The organised crime's terror and violence continued in Latin America, especially in Honduras and Mexico, where journalists pay the ultimate price for reporting on issues such as corruption and drug trafficking.

In 2014, the IFJ intensified its safety work including training programmes for journalists from high risks countries such as the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

It also joined partnership with the Council of Europe to establish an online safety platform for journalists. It is testing new cutting edge safety tools to maintain permanent contact with journalists while on assignments in dangerous zones.