United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has raised concern over the high level of impunity surrounding crimes against journalists, stating that about 85 per cent of such cases remain neither investigated nor punished.
Guterres made the remarks in a message to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, an annual event observed on May 3 to emphasize the importance of press freedom and the protection of media professionals worldwide.
He described press freedom as a fundamental pillar of democratic societies, emphasising the role of the media as a watchdog that holds power to account.
Reflecting on the 1991 Windhoek Declaration, the UN chief noted that the landmark document emphasized the need for independent and pluralistic media, prompting the global recognition of the day to promote and defend press freedom.
Guterres warned that press freedom is currently under significant pressure due to a combination of economic challenges, emerging technologies, and the deliberate spread of misinformation.
“When access to reliable information erodes, mistrust takes root.
“When public debate is distorted, social cohesion weakens.
“And when journalism is undermined, crises become far more difficult to prevent and resolve.
“All freedom depends on press freedom. Without it, there can be no human rights, no sustainable development, and no peace,” he said.
He called for stronger safeguards to protect journalists, stressing the need to create an environment where truth and those who report it are secure.
According to him, journalists are often among the first victims in times of conflict, as they risk their lives to document events and inform the public.
“People often say that in war, truth is the first casualty.
“But far too frequently, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth, not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny.
“Across the globe, media workers risk censorship, surveillance, legal harassment, and even death,” he added.
Guterres further highlighted a worrying increase in the number of journalists killed in recent years, noting that many are deliberately targeted, particularly in conflict zones.
