On May 3, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, emphasised the escalating dangers faced by journalists worldwide in a stark statement for World Press Freedom Day. He underlined that a free press is essential for the promotion of peace and human rights, noting the critical role media professionals play in society. Guterres remarked that while it is often stated that “truth is the first casualty” in war, the reality is that journalists frequently become the victims, risking their lives to expose the truth.

He pointed out that media workers globally encounter various threats, which include censorship, surveillance, legal harassment, and in severe cases, death. Guterres expressed particular concern over the rising number of journalists killed, especially in conflict zones where they are often deliberately targeted for their reporting.

Impunity in Crimes Against Journalists

Guterres highlighted a significant issue regarding the lack of accountability for crimes committed against journalists, revealing that approximately 85 per cent of such crimes go uninvestigated and unpunished. He characterised this impunity as “unacceptable,” calling attention to a systemic failure to protect those who inform the public. This alarming trend reflects a broader crisis in press freedom globally.

The Secretary-General warned that press freedom is experiencing unprecedented strain due to economic challenges, technological developments, and deliberate manipulation of information. He articulated the dire social consequences that arise when journalists are silenced, stating that an erosion of access to reliable information can lead to widespread mistrust and weakened social cohesion.

Guterres asserted that undermining journalism complicates the process of preventing and resolving crises, underscoring that all freedoms rely on the existence of a free press. He emphasised that without press freedom, there can be no genuine human rights, sustainable development, or lasting peace.

Global Press Freedom Index Highlights Severe Decline

The UN Secretary-General’s statements coincide with alarming findings from Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which indicates that global press freedom has reached its lowest level in 25 years. According to the latest World Press Freedom Index for 2026, more than half of the 180 countries examined are now classified as having “difficult” or “very serious” conditions regarding media independence.

The RSF reported a decline in the worldwide average score, which has fallen to 54.3 points, marking the weakest performance since the inception of the Index in 2002. The analysis showed that over 52 per cent of nations are in the most troubled categories, a dramatic increase from 13.7 per cent recorded two decades ago. Notably, less than 1 per cent of the global population lives in countries where the environment for journalism is considered “good,” compared to 20 per cent in the early 2000s.

This deterioration in press freedom has been attributed to a toxic combination of aggressive political rhetoric, financial instability within media organisations, and the adoption of laws aimed at hindering journalistic activities. The RSF highlighted that the legal framework governing the press saw significant erosion over the past year, with over 60 per cent of countries experiencing a negative shift.

Regions affected by conflict remain the most dangerous for journalists. The RSF noted that Iraq, Sudan, and Yemen suffer severely, while the ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to the deaths of over 220 journalists since October 2023. Conversely, Norway maintained its position as the top-ranked nation for press freedom for the tenth consecutive year, while Eritrea remained at the bottom of the list for the third year running.

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