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UN chief warns threats to media workers’ freedom ‘growing by the day

NEW YORK (TSAT) - The UN chief António Guterres on Tuesday warned that theats to journalists and media workers are growing and they are facing “increasing politicization” of their work and threats to their freedom to simply do their jobs.

In a message, on the World Press Freedom Day, the UN Secretary-General said the journalists played key role throughout COVID-19 pandemic providing accurate, science-based reporting to inform decision-makers and save lives, according to the UN News.

“At the same time, journalists who cover climate, biodiversity, and pollution have succeeded in bringing global attention to this triple planetary crisis,” the UN official news website quoted Guterres as saying.

But the threats to their freedom to go about their reporting and story-telling fairly and accurately, are multiplying daily.

He criticized the social media platforms for spreading news without confirmation and provoking people.

“Many social media platforms make their money not through increasing access to fact-based reporting, but on boosting engagement, “which often means provoking outrage, and spreading lies.”

“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,” he added.

May 3, every year observed as "World Press Freedom Day" to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press across the world.

According to the UN report, 55 journalists and media professionals were killed in 2021, with nearly nine in 10 killings since 2006 still unresolved.

In 2021, as compared to 2020, journalists faced high rates of imprisonment, physical attack, intimidation and harassment, including when reporting on protests.

“Without freedom of the press, there are no real democratic societies. Without freedom of the press, there is no freedom”, said the world body chief.