Journalists and media workers are crucial in helping us make informed decisions. As the world fights the Coronavirus pandemic, those decisions can make the difference between life and death.
On World Press Freedom Day, we call on governments -- and others -- to guarantee that journalists can do their jobs throughout the Coronavirus pandemic and beyond.
As the pandemic spreads, it has also given rise to a second pandemic of misinformation, from harmful health advice to wild conspiracy theories.
The press provides the antidote: verified, scientific, fact-based news, and analysis.
But since the pandemic began, many journalists are being subjected to increased restrictions and punishments simply for doing their jobs.
Temporary constraints on freedom of movement are essential to beat Coronavirus. But they must not be abused as an excuse to crack down on journalists’ ability to do their work.
Thanks to media for providing coronavirus facts and analysis
Today, we thank the media for providing facts and analysis; for holding leaders – in every sector – accountable; and for speaking truth to power.
We particularly recognize those who are playing a life-saving role reporting on public health.
And we call on governments to protect media workers and to strengthen and maintain press freedom, which is essential for a future of peace, justice and human rights for all.
By António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
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