There’re 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.

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

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 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 politicization of their work and attempts to silence them from many sides, Guterres said.