By Omoyeni Ojeifo, Abuja
Ahead of World Press Freedom Day, the United Nations has issued a fresh alert over what it calls a rising tide of attacks on journalists globally, warning that such trends endanger the very foundations of free societies.
Persecondnews reports that Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, made the remarks as part of commemorations leading up to May 3, the annual observance of World Press Freedom Day.
He said the safety of media workers is deteriorating at an alarming rate, calling it a deeply troubling development.
UN data shows that around 330 media professionals are currently held in detention worldwide, along with nearly 500 citizen journalists and human rights bloggers.
Türk warned that laws on defamation, disinformation, cybercrime, and terrorism are increasingly being weaponized to protect those in power, while costly legal actions are used to intimidate reporters.
“No country today can be considered totally safe for journalists. When attacks on the media are normalised, freedom itself begins to decay,” Türk said.
He paid tribute to reporters and photographers who continue to expose corruption, document atrocities, and hold institutions accountable, despite what he described as an increasingly dangerous profession.
“Media workers have been bombed, abducted, jailed, or forced out of their jobs. At least 14 journalists have been killed since January, with accountability remaining rare. Only a fraction of such killings over the past two decades have led to justice,” he emphasized.
Türk also pointed to conflict zones as the most perilous environments, singling out the ongoing war in Gaza as particularly deadly.
The UN has verified the killing of nearly 300 journalists in the conflict since October 2023, with many others injured.
He also highlighted risks faced by reporters in countries such as Mexico, where coverage of corruption, environmental damage, and organised crime often endangers journalists and their families.
The UN rights chief warned that online harassment is another major threat affecting women journalists.
He said nearly three quarters have experienced abuse, including smear campaigns and threats of sexual violence.
Türk cautioned that such conditions could foster a “disinformation society,” where journalists are forced to compromise truth for safety.
He further called on tech companies to take stronger action against online abuse and false information, while urging media institutions to uphold independence and integrity.
In a separate message, UN Secretary António Guterres echoed the concerns, noting a sharp rise in journalist killings in recent years.
“Far too frequently, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth,” Guterres said.
He stressed that press freedom is facing “unprecedented strain” from economic challenges, emerging technologies, and deliberate manipulation of information.
Guterres called on governments worldwide to protect journalists, prevent attacks, investigate violations, and ensure accountability both at home and across borders.
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