The United Nations (UN) has expressed concern over the high level of impunity surrounding crimes against journalists, revealing that as much as 85 per cent of such cases go neither investigated nor punished.
In a message marking World Press Freedom Day, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, described the situation as deeply troubling and unacceptable, stressing the critical role of press freedom in sustaining democracy.
He noted that a free and independent media serves as a watchdog in society, holding power to account and ensuring transparency. However, he warned that press freedom is increasingly under strain due to a combination of economic pressures, technological changes, and the deliberate spread of misinformation.
Guterres recalled the significance of the 1991 Windhoek Declaration, which laid the foundation for global advocacy on media freedom and inspired the United Nations to dedicate a day to promoting and defending press freedom.
According to him, the erosion of access to reliable information poses serious risks to society.
“And when journalism is undermined, crises become far more difficult to prevent and resolve.”
He explained that when trustworthy information is lacking, public trust declines and social cohesion weakens, making it harder to manage and resolve emerging challenges.
The UN chief further emphasised that press freedom is fundamental to broader global goals, noting that it underpins human rights, sustainable development, and peace.
Guterres also called for stronger measures to protect journalists, highlighting the dangers they face while carrying out their work. He pointed out that media professionals are often among the first victims in conflict situations, risking their lives to report the truth.
He added that while it is often said that truth is the first casualty in war, journalists themselves are frequently the first to suffer, not only in conflict zones but also in environments where those in authority seek to avoid scrutiny.
Globally, journalists continue to face censorship, surveillance, legal intimidation, and violence, with a noticeable rise in targeted killings in recent years, particularly in areas affected by conflict.
The UN’s warning underscores the urgent need for stronger safeguards to ensure that journalists can operate freely and safely, and that those responsible for crimes against them are held accountable.
