Guterres Calls for Press Freedom

World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3 and aims to celebrate and recognize the work of journalists and media workers. 

UN Chief Antonio Guterres called for action to protect the freedom of the press and the safety of journalists. He also urged the world to take more action to stop the lies and disinformation and also stop targeting truth and truth-tellers.

In his message for World Press Freedom Day, Guterres said: "Freedom of the press is the foundation of democracy and justice. It gives all of us the facts we need to shape opinions and speak truth to power. And as this year’s theme reminds us, press freedom represents the very lifeblood of human rights."

He continued: "But in every corner of the world, freedom of the press is under attack. Truth is threatened by disinformation and hate speech seeking to blur the lines between fact and fiction, between science and conspiracy."

Guterres also indicated that the increased concentration of the media industry into the hands of a few, the financial collapse of scores of independent news organizations, and an increase of national laws and regulations that stifle journalists are further expanding censorship and threatening freedom of expression.

He noted that journalists and media workers are directly targeted on and offline as they carry out their vital work. They are routinely harassed, intimidated, detained, and imprisoned.

"At least 67 media workers were killed in 2022 — an unbelievable 50 percent increase over the previous year. Nearly three-quarters of women journalists have experienced violence online, and one in four have been threatened physically."

"Ten years ago, the United Nations established a Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists to protect media workers and end impunity for crimes committed against them", he recounted.