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January 13, 2025 – General –
The United Nations and leading press freedom experts sharply criticized the banning of Al-Jazeera in an undisclosed country, warning that the move sets a dangerous precedent that undermines journalism and fosters impunity for human rights violations. The ban—likely imposed in a politically sensitive region amid conflict—has drawn strong reactions from international institutions committed to safeguarding free expression.
The UN expressed grave concern that restricting access to Al-Jazeera, a globally recognized news outlet, effectively denies the public critical information during a time when transparent reporting is essential. A UN spokesperson emphasized that media freedom is central to democratic societies and called for the immediate reversal of the ban. The UN reaffirmed Secretary-General António Guterres’s long-standing commitment to protecting press freedom worldwide.
Independent UN experts, including those under the mandate for freedom of expression, also condemned the action. They argued that silencing Al-Jazeera weakens accountability by obstructing efforts to document and expose human rights abuses. In particular, the ban risks concealing war crimes, political repression, and other serious violations by limiting the visibility of independent coverage.
Organizations like the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (SRFoE) warned that the move sends a troubling signal to other governments—that media outlets can be silenced with little international consequence. Such actions, they noted, embolden authoritarian tactics elsewhere, contributing to a global trend of shrinking civic space and rising threats to journalists.
The experts further highlighted that the ban not only violates the right to freedom of information but also directly undermines the public’s ability to hold governments accountable. By removing an outlet known for its investigative journalism, authorities effectively narrow the information landscape and promote unchecked narratives.
The UN and media rights advocates are now calling for urgent international pressure to restore Al-Jazeera’s access and prevent further erosion of press freedoms. They warn that censorship at this level is not just a domestic issue—it’s a direct threat to global democratic norms and the protection of fundamental rights.
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