Guterres: Freedom of the press is a vital part of human rights

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the UN Secretary-General stressed that freedom of the press is a principle of democracy and justice and a vital part of human rights.

According to AAA, António Guterres said at a World Press Freedom Day ceremony on Tuesday: "Press freedom is under attack in every corner of the world. The truth is threatened by disinformation and hate speech. These actions seek to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, between science and conspiracies."

He added: "We are facing a growing concentration of the media industry in the hands of a few, the financial collapse of a large number of independent news organizations, and the rise of national laws and regulations that restrict journalists, increase censorship and threaten free speech."

The UN Secretary-General explained that at least 67 journalists were killed in 2022, indicating an unprecedented increase of 50% over the previous year. Nearly three-quarters of female journalists have experienced violence online, and one in four have received death threats.

Guterres added: “On World Press Freedom Day, the world must speak with one voice: stop threats and attacks. Stop arresting and jailing journalists for doing their job. Stop spreading lies and disinformation. Stop persecuting the truth and those who speak. truth."