UNITED NATIONS, Sunday, May 3, 2026 (WNP): Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, on World Press Freedom Day called for urgent global action to safeguard journalists, warning that growing threats to press freedom undermine human rights, sustainable development, and peace.

In his message, the UN chief stressed that “all freedom depends on press freedom,” emphasizing that without it, societies cannot ensure transparency, accountability, or justice.

He noted that journalists across the world continue to face censorship, surveillance, legal harassment, and violence, often risking their lives to report the truth.

Highlighting alarming trends, Guterres said recent years have witnessed a sharp rise in the number of journalists killed, particularly in conflict zones where they are deliberately targeted.

The Secretary-General expressed concern over the prevailing culture of impunity, pointing out that nearly 85 percent of crimes against journalists go uninvestigated and unpunished, a situation he termed unacceptable.

He further warned that economic pressures, emerging technologies, and the deliberate spread of misinformation are placing unprecedented strain on independent journalism, eroding public trust and distorting informed debate.

“When access to reliable information erodes, mistrust takes root. When public discourse is manipulated, social cohesion weakens,” he said, adding that weakening journalism makes it significantly harder to prevent and resolve global crises.

Reiterating the central role of a free press in democratic societies, Guterres called on governments, institutions, and stakeholders to protect journalists’ rights and ensure a safe environment for media professionals.

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, he urged collective efforts to build a world where truth and those who report it are protected, underscoring that press freedom remains a cornerstone of peace and sustainable development.