The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the widespread impunity for crimes against media professionals, revealing that roughly 85 percent of such incidents are neither investigated nor result in any form of punishment. This alarming statistic was highlighted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres during his message for World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3 to underscore the critical role of press freedom and the protection of journalists around the globe.
Guterres emphasized that press freedom is a vital component of democratic societies, serving as a watchdog that ensures accountability among those in power. He reflected on the 1991 Windhoek Declaration, a landmark document that championed independent and pluralistic media, which led to the establishment of this day to promote and defend journalists’ rights. However, he warned that press freedom is currently facing severe challenges from economic strains, new technologies, and the intentional spread of false information.
“When access to reliable information erodes, mistrust takes root. When public debate becomes distorted, social cohesion weakens,” Guterres stated. “And when journalism is undermined, it becomes far more difficult to prevent and resolve crises. All freedom depends on press freedom. Without it, there can be no human rights, no sustainable development, and no peace.”
The UN chief called for stronger safeguards to protect journalists and stressed the need to build an environment where truth and those who report it can operate safely. He noted that journalists are often among the first targets in conflicts, risking their lives to document events and inform the public. “People often say that in war, truth is the first casualty. But far too often, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth—not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny,” Guterres remarked.
He also highlighted a troubling rise in the number of journalists killed in recent years, with many deliberately targeted, especially in conflict zones. The UN is urging global action to address this crisis and ensure that attacks on media workers do not go unpunished.