The United Nations has raised alarm over increasing attacks on journalists, warning that violence and intimidation against media workers must stop.
Volker Türk made the remarks in a message ahead of World Press Freedom Day, saying no country currently offers a fully safe environment for journalism.“When attacks on the media are normalised, freedom itself begins to decay, and with it, the foundations of peace, security, and sustainable development,” Türk said.
According to UN data, about 330 media workers are currently detained worldwide, alongside some 500 citizen journalists and human rights bloggers.
Türk said laws on defamation, disinformation, cybercrime and terrorism were increasingly being used to shield those in power, while costly legal actions were deployed to intimidate journalists. He described journalism as an increasingly dangerous profession, noting that media workers have been killed, abducted, detained or forced out of their jobs.
He said at least 14 journalists have been killed since January, adding that only around a tenth of such killings over the past two decades have resulted in full accountability.
Türk said conflict reporting carried the highest risks, describing the war in Gaza as particularly deadly for journalists.“My Office has verified the killing of nearly 300 journalists since October 2023, with many more injured,” he said.
He added that journalists covering conflicts in countries such as Sudan face extreme violence and harsh conditions, including hunger.Türk also cited risks in countries like Mexico, where reporting on corruption, organised crime or environmental damage can endanger journalists, their sources and even their families.
He warned of growing transnational repression and surveillance targeting media workers, including attacks on Iranian journalists abroad.
The UN rights chief also expressed concern about online harassment, particularly against women journalists, many of whom face abuse, smear campaigns and threats.
He urged technology companies to take stronger action against online abuse and disinformation, while calling on governments to protect journalists and ensure accountability for violations.
In a separate message, António Guterres said press freedom was under “unprecedented strain” due to economic pressures, emerging technologies and deliberate manipulation.“Far too frequently, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth,” Guterres said, urging governments to prevent attacks, protect media workers and uphold press freedom.