UN Reports 85% of Crimes Against Journalists Unpunished

On World Press Freedom Day, observed on May 3, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reported that 85% of crimes committed against journalists remain uninvestigated and unpunished, describing this situation as an unacceptable level of impunity. He underscored the critical role of press freedom in supporting democracy and noted that the media serves as a public watchdog in society.

Guterres recalled the 1991 Windhoek Declaration, which strongly emphasized media freedom and led to the United Nations' commitment to defending and strengthening press freedom globally. He warned that economic pressures and emerging technologies are placing unprecedented strains on press freedom, eroding public trust and distorting public debate.

Guterres called for stronger protections for journalists, who often face censorship, surveillance, legal harassment, and even death, particularly in conflict zones. He highlighted the alarming rise in journalist killings in recent years, often as deliberate targets in these areas.