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September 24, 2024September 23, 2024 – General –
United Nations Summit of the Future in New York, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), backed by 123 civil society organizations, called for urgent and concrete action to safeguard press freedom globally. Their appeal came days before the Summit opened on September 22 and emphasized that democratic principles and sustainable development cannot survive without free, independent media.
The focus was on the UN’s “Pact for the Future,” a landmark document intended to guide global cooperation and sustainable development in the coming decades. CPJ acknowledged that the latest version of the Pact and its accompanying Global Digital Compact now include stronger language around freedom of expression, access to information, and media independence—key demands raised by press freedom groups during earlier consultations. However, CPJ warned that words alone are not enough and stressed the need for these commitments to be translated into real-world protections for journalists.
The joint statement laid out three critical pillars for ensuring media freedom: protecting journalists from violence and arbitrary detention, defending freedom of expression both online and offline, and guaranteeing public access to information. These elements are not only fundamental human rights, the CPJ argued, but also essential tools for transparency, accountability, and the success of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The call to action is particularly urgent amid an escalating crisis for journalists worldwide. CPJ data reveals that 2024 is set to become one of the deadliest years on record for journalists, with dozens killed and many more detained, harassed, or censored. From conflict zones to authoritarian states, independent reporting is under siege.
CPJ urged UN member states to adopt clear and enforceable protections for journalists, support judicial independence, and uphold digital rights. They also called for safeguards for whistleblowers and legal frameworks that prevent censorship and surveillance.
Without these steps, CPJ warned, the promises made in the Pact for the Future risk becoming hollow. The statement concluded with a clear message: a just and sustainable global future demands a bold defense of press freedom now, not just in rhetoric, but in action.
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