UNITED NATIONS: The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for greater protection for press freedom, as he warns that journalists around the world are being subjected to harassment, imprisonment, and even death.
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Guterres issued a video message ahead of World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday,, stating that press freedom is the “foundation of democracy and justice” and the “lifeblood of human rights.”
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Despite its importance, however, Guterres notes that freedom of the press is “under attack” in every corner of the globe. Speaking at a conference held at UN headquarters in New York, he stressed that protecting the rights of journalists is essential for preserving freedom and democracy.
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The ongoing crisis facing journalists was highlighted by UNESCO, which awarded its prestigious 2023 World Press Freedom Prize to three Iranian women. The recipients, who include two journalists and a human rights activist, have all been jailed for their reporting in Iran, making them powerful symbols of the threats faced by journalists worldwide.
With World Press Freedom Day just around the corner, Guterres’ call to action serves as a timely reminder of the crucial role that journalists play in upholding the principles of democracy and human rights, and the urgent need to protect their rights to report without fear of persecution.
