Global Press Freedom Under Fire: UN Raises Alarm on Journalists’ Safety

November 14, 2024 – UN/Mexico/Switzerland –

At a UN press conference in Geneva on 14 November 2024, the atmosphere was grim: 80% of journalist murders worldwide go uninvestigated, human rights officer Renaud de Villaine warned, calling it a “persistence” of impunity both in war zones and peaceful nations.

He emphasised that journalism remains perilous everywhere—from conflict zones like the Middle East and Ukraine to peaceful nations such as Mexico, where reporters exposing corruption, drug cartels, and environmental crimes continue to be targeted. De Villaine cited UNESCO data showing that a journalist is killed every four days, yet systematic justice is rarely pursued.

The event was held alongside a screening of State of Silence, a documentary featuring Mexican investigative journalists and hosted by actor-producer Diego Luna. Luna condemned journalist murders as a “scandal” and urged citizens worldwide to champion independent media. “There is no access to truth if there is no free journalism,” he implored.

Diego Luna also highlighted the chilling effects of violence, noting that it deters young people from becoming journalists, reduces public willingness to speak freely, and erodes trust in democratic discourse. “When you silence a journalist, you silence thousands of communities,” he said.

From Reporters Without Borders, Director-General Thibaut Bruttin warned that journalists aren’t “numbers” but individuals with stories, families, and rights. He called for accountability and repudiated the notion that journalists died by chance—“journalists are killed; someone is behind it”.

The speakers singled out Mexico as a case study: 69 journalists murdered and 32 disappeared since 2017, with the country ranking 121st globally in press freedom and 165th on safety. Bruttin stressed that such violence thrives within systemic corruption and institutional failures.

The conference underscored that threats to journalists go beyond physical safety. Renaud de Villaine drew attention to the “weaponization” of judicial systems, with over 300 journalists jailed globally—citing CPJ statistics.

The UN’s multi-pronged advocacy—including UNESCO’s networking, OHCHR’s legal efforts, and public events—aims to reduce impunity, ensure protective legal frameworks, and uphold journalists’ rights. The message was unequivocal: protecting journalists is protecting truth, democracy, and society’s right to know.

Reference –

https://www.unognewsroom.org/story/en/2421/ohchr-press-conference-safety-of-journalists/7284