Let’s Ensure Journalists Can Carry Out Their Essential Work Safely, Without Fear — Everywhere, Says Secretary-General, in International Day Message

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, observed on 2 November:

On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, we reaffirm our commitment to press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide.

A free press is fundamental to human rights, democracy and the rule of law.  Yet, journalists around the world are prevented from doing their job and often face threats, violence and even death in their mission to bring truth to light and hold the powerful to account.

Recent years have seen an alarming rate of fatalities in conflict zones — in particular in Gaza, which has seen the highest number of killings of journalists and media workers in any war in decades.

Worldwide, an estimated 9 out of 10 of journalist murders go unpunished. Impunity breeds further violence.  This must change.

The Pact for the Future adopted last month calls for respecting and protecting journalists, media professionals and associated personnel working in situations of armed conflict.

I call on Governments to bring these commitments to life by taking urgent steps to protect journalists, investigate crimes against them and prosecute perpetrators — everywhere.

Together, let’s end the cycle of violence, uphold freedom of expression and ensure that journalists can carry out their essential work safely and without fear — everywhere.