New York: A free press is vital to a functioning democracy, exposing wrongdoing, navigating our complex world, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said.
"Yet, more than 70 journalists have been killed this year simply for fulfilling this role in society," the UN Chief said in his message on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
"Most of these crimes go unsolved. Meanwhile, a record number of journalists are incarcerated today, while threats of imprisonment, violence, and death keep growing," he stated.
According to him, surge in disinformation, online bullying and hate speech, particularly against women journalists, is contributing to the stifling of media workers around the world.
Intimidation through the abuse of legal, financial and other means is undermining efforts to hold the powerful accountable.
These trends threaten not only journalists, but society as a whole.
"The UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists aims to create a safe and free environment for all media workers. As we mark its 10th anniversary, I call on governments and the international community take the necessary steps to protect our journalists. We must end a common culture of impunity and enable journalists to do their essential work," he explained.
"On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, let us honour our media workers, and stand up for truth, justice and human rights for all," he concluded.
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