In the words of the UN Secretary General, freedom of the press is nothing less than the “lifeblood of human rights”. Nevertheless, it is increasingly exposed to attacks in all continents.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed the importance of freedom of the press as the basis for democracy and justice. Free reporting provides the facts needed to form opinions and confront those in power with the truth, Guterres said in a statement marking World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday. “It represents the lifeblood of human rights. But in every corner of the world, freedom of the press is under attack.”
Disinformation and hate speech have blurred the lines between fact and fiction, science and conspiracy theories, Guterres said. He sees a threat to freedom of opinion and speech in concentration processes in the media landscape and the financial collapse of numerous independent news organizations. The increasing number of national laws and regulations, which increasingly restrict the work of journalists, are also dangerous.
At least 67 media workers were killed in 2022, Guterres said, and journalists were targeted directly while trying to do their jobs. “Stop arresting and imprisoning journalists for doing their job,” Guterres called on the international community. “Stop the attacks on the truth and those who tell the truth.”
The General Assembly of the United Nations declared May 3rd as World Press Freedom Day in 1993 at the suggestion of UNESCO. The first World Press Freedom Day was in 1994.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
