Journalists attend a media conference in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti.
In his message on World Press Freedom Day, Secretary-General António Guterres said that around the world, media workers are risking their lives to try to bring us news stories about everything from war to democracy. He was shocked and appalled by the large number of journalists killed during the Israeli military operation in Gaza.
He said the United Nations recognized the valuable work done by journalists and media professionals to ensure public information and participation. Without facts, we cannot fight misinformation and disinformation. Without accountability, we will not implement strong policies. Without freedom of the press, we do not have any freedom. He stressed that freedom of the press is not an option, but a necessity.
At the suggestion of the General Conference of UNESCO, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 3 May, the day of the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration, as World Press Freedom Day in December 1993.
The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2024 aims to highlight the importance of freedom of the press and expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.
In his speech, Guterres pointed out that the world is experiencing an unprecedented environmental emergency, which poses an existential threat to our present and future generations. People need to understand this, and journalists and media workers play a key role in informing and educating people.
Azoulay: Journalists and media professionals, artists and scientists should be protected
In her message on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said that the climate challenge is also a news and information challenge. Effective climate action is not possible without free access to reliable scientific information.
She called for the protection of journalists and media professionals, artists and scientists. They are often victims of harassment, violence and censorship, she said.
In particular, she noted that access to reliable information has become even more important this "super election year" in which some 2.6 billion citizens will vote.
Türk: Journalists are 'the ultimate allies of human rights'
In his message, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Türk said that 2023 marks another devastating year for journalism. Seventy-one journalists and media workers gave their lives. It has been a year of impunity. Only 13 per cent of the murders of journalists were investigated. 320 journalists and media workers were imprisoned, the highest number ever recorded.
He pointed out that when we lose a journalist, we lose our eyes and ears to see the outside world. We have lost the voice that speaks for the voiceless. In fact, we have lost a human rights defender.
Disinformation is poisoning our media and digital landscape, fueling hate and division, he said. He called for greater space for media coverage of environmental issues and the right to work free from assault, hate propaganda, physical and legal harassment.
Perhaps now more than ever, we need independent, ethical and high-quality journalism, he said. On the climate crisis – and in all crises – journalists are the ultimate allies of human rights. In their quest for facts, evidence, and accountability, we have the best hope of building societies based on truth and trust.
