Christophe Deloire, Director General of Reporters Without Borders since 2012, died on Saturday 8 June at the age of 53 following a bout of cancer, the organisation dedicated to defending press freedom around the world announced

Under his leadership, RSF was transformed into a major player in the protection of journalism over a period of twelve years. Pierre Haski, Chairman of RSF’s Board of Directors, pointed out that Christophe Deloire led the organisation at a crucial time for the right to information, and his contribution to this cause has been immense.

RSF also pointed out that Christophe Deloire was a tireless defender of the freedom, independence and pluralism of journalism, even in times of information chaos. For the organisation, ‘journalism was his life’s struggle, which he fought with unshakeable conviction’. At the end of 2023, he was appointed delegate general of the États généraux de l’information, an initiative promoted by Emmanuel Macron.

The members of the États généraux de l’information paid tribute to Christophe Deloire, describing him as a pillar of the initiative and praising his commitment, energy, attentiveness and humanity. Before joining RSF, Christophe Deloire headed the CFJ, a renowned journalism school, from 2008 to 2012, and was an investigative reporter for Le Point from 1998 to 2007. He has also worked for ARTE and TF1.

Founded in 1985 in France, Reporters Without Borders has become a spearhead for press freedom and the right to inform throughout the world. Based in Paris and present on every continent with offices and correspondents in some 130 countries, the NGO detects and denounces attacks on the freedom to inform and supports imprisoned or threatened journalists by various means, such as legal assistance and the loan of bullet-proof waistcoats.

Reporters Without Borders has been particularly active in recent years in demanding the truth about the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Since 2002, it has published an annual assessment of abuses against journalists in 180 countries, a ‘world press freedom index’ that is a benchmark for many media and international institutions.