No real democratic societies without press freedom: Guterres

On World Press Freedom Day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said they honour the essential work of the media in speaking truth to power, exposing lies, and building strong, resilient institutions and societies, reports news agency UNB.

“We call on governments, media organisations and technology companies everywhere to support these crucial efforts,” he said in a message marking the day on Tuesday.

The United Nations is working to support journalists and media workers everywhere.

“Ten years ago, we established a Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, to protect media workers and end impunity for crimes committed against them,” said the UN chief.

Without freedom of the press, he said, there are no real democratic societies and without freedom of the press, there is no freedom.

On World Press Freedom Day, Guterres further said they shine a spotlight on the essential work of journalists and other media workers who seek transparency and accountability from those in power, often at great personal risk.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, many media workers have been on the frontlines, providing accurate, science-based reporting to inform decision-makers and save lives.

“At the same time, journalists who cover climate, biodiversity and pollution have succeeded in bringing global attention to this triple planetary crisis,” said the UN chief.

But the threats to the freedom of journalists and media workers are growing by the day, he said.

From global health to the climate crisis, corruption and human rights abuses, they face increased politicisation of their work and attempts to silence them from many sides, Guterres said.

“Digital technology has democratised access to information. But it has also created serious challenges.”

The business models of many social media platforms are based not on increasing access to accurate reporting, but on increasing engagement – which often means provoking outrage and spreading lies, Guterres said.

Media workers in war zones are threatened not only by bombs and bullets, but by the weapons of falsification and disinformation that accompany modern warfare.

“They may be attacked as the enemy, accused of espionage, detained, or killed, simply for doing their jobs,” said the UN chief.

Digital technology also makes censorship even easier, he said.

Many journalists and editors around the world are at constant risk of their programmes and reports being taken offline.

“And digital technology creates new channels for oppression and abuse. Women journalists are in particular risk of online harassment and violence,” Guterres said.

UNESCO found that nearly three in four women respondents had experienced online violence. Hacking and illegal surveillance also prevent journalists from doing their jobs.

The methods and tools change, but the goal of discrediting the media and covering up the truth remains the same as ever, said the UN chief.

“The results are also the same: people and societies that are unable to distinguish fact from fiction, and can be manipulated in horrifying ways,” he said.