UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called on governments to protect media workers, and to strengthen and maintain press freedom, which is essential for a future of peace, justice and human rights for all.
“Journalists and media workers are crucial to helping us make informed decisions. As the world fights the COVID-19 pandemic, those decisions can make the difference between life and death,” he said in a message on World Press Freedom Day being observed today (Sunday).
This year the theme of the day is “Journalism without Fear or Favour”.
Guterres called on governments -- and others -- to guarantee that journalists can do their jobs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
He said, “As the pandemic spreads, it has also given rise to a second pandemic of misinformation, from harmful health advice to wild conspiracy theories.
“The press provides the antidote: verified, scientific, fact-based news and analysis.
“But since the pandemic began, many journalists are being subjected to increased restrictions and punishments simply for doing their jobs.
“Temporary constraints on freedom of movement are essential to beat COVID-19. But they must not be abused as an excuse to crack down on journalists’ ability to do their work.”
The UN secretary general thanked the media for providing facts and analysis, for holding leaders – in every sector – accountable, and for speaking truth to power. “We particularly recognize those who are playing a life-saving role reporting on public health,” he added
The World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference.
Since then, 03 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
