UN Secretary-General António Guterres says most crimes against journalists go unpunished, calling for stronger global protection of press freedom

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has raised alarm over what he described as widespread impunity for crimes committed against journalists worldwide, warning that justice is rarely served in such cases.

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António Guterres stated that about 85 per cent of crimes against journalists go uninvestigated and unpunished, describing the situation as unacceptable and dangerous for global democracy.

He made the remarks in his message marking World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3 to promote press freedom and highlight risks faced by media professionals.

The UN chief stressed that press freedom remains a cornerstone of democratic societies, noting that journalists serve as watchdogs who help hold power accountable.

He referenced the 1991 Windhoek Declaration, which laid the foundation for global commitment to media freedom and eventually led the United Nations to establish World Press Freedom Day.

António Guterres warned that rising economic pressure, technological disruption, and deliberate misinformation campaigns are placing journalism under severe strain worldwide.

He cautioned that when reliable information is undermined, societies risk growing mistrust, weakened unity, and reduced ability to prevent crises.

“All freedom depends on press freedom. Without it, there can be no human rights, no sustainable development, and no peace,” he said.

The UN Secretary-General also called for stronger protection of journalists, stressing that they are often the first victims in conflict situations and in environments where accountability is resisted.

António Guterres noted that journalists frequently face censorship, surveillance, legal intimidation, and physical attacks in different parts of the world.

He further highlighted a worrying rise in journalist fatalities in recent years, especially in conflict zones where media workers are deliberately targeted.