- He noted that hundreds of journalists and media workers are currently in detention globally
- He warned that press freedom is shrinking in many parts of the world,
- He commended reporters and photojournalists who continue to work under dangerous conditions to expose corruption
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the rising wave of violence, intimidation, and legal pressure targeting journalists across the world, warning that such actions are endangering freedom of expression.
In a message marking World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said media workers are facing increasingly hostile conditions in many countries, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
He noted that hundreds of journalists and media workers are currently in detention globally, alongside citizen journalists and online commentators, based on UN figures.
Türk said authorities in some places are increasingly relying on laws relating to defamation, cybercrime, national security, and misinformation to silence critical voices, while costly lawsuits are being used as a tool of pressure against the media.
He warned that press freedom is shrinking in many parts of the world, stressing that in most countries journalists now operate under varying levels of threat or restriction.
According to him, attacks on journalists do not only endanger individuals but also weaken democratic institutions and undermine public trust in governance.
He commended reporters and photojournalists who continue to work under dangerous conditions to expose corruption, document abuses, and report from conflict zones.
Türk said journalism has become an increasingly risky profession, with cases of killings, abductions, imprisonment, workplace dismissals, and violent attacks reported in different regions.
He disclosed that several journalists have been killed since the beginning of the year, while accountability for attacks on media workers remains extremely low globally.
He also highlighted the dangers faced by journalists in war zones, noting that reporting from active conflicts remains the most hazardous aspect of the profession.
The UN official cited the situation in Gaza as particularly alarming, reporting that a large number of journalists have been killed since the escalation of hostilities in October 2023, with many others injured while working.
He added that reporters in countries affected by conflict, including Sudan, continue to operate under extreme hardship, violence, and worsening humanitarian conditions.
Türk further warned that journalists are increasingly being targeted beyond their own countries through surveillance, harassment, and intimidation campaigns.
He also raised concern over growing online abuse, especially against female journalists, many of whom face threats, harassment, and coordinated smear campaigns on digital platforms.
He cautioned that such trends risk creating an environment where misinformation thrives and journalists are forced to self censor in order to stay safe.
The UN rights chief called on technology companies to take stronger action against online abuse and disinformation, while urging stronger protections for media freedom and independence.
In a separate statement, UN Secretary General António Guterres warned that journalists are increasingly being targeted in conflict zones and repressive environments.
He said truth is often the first casualty in war, adding that journalists who seek to report it are frequently placed in direct danger.
Guterres noted that press freedom is also being weakened by economic pressure, technological disruption, and the manipulation of information.
He called on governments worldwide to ensure the safety of journalists, investigate attacks against them, and hold perpetrators accountable.
