António Guterres has raised alarm that about 85 percent of crimes committed against journalists worldwide are neither properly investigated nor punished, describing the trend as a deeply troubling level of impunity.

In a message marking World Press Freedom Day, he emphasised the critical role of a free press in sustaining democracy, noting that the media functions as a watchdog that holds power to account and informs the public.

He referenced the Windhoek Declaration, which underscored the importance of independent journalism and inspired the United Nations to dedicate the annual observance to promoting and protecting press freedom globally.

Guterres warned that press freedom is increasingly under pressure due to financial challenges, advancing technologies, and the deliberate spread of misinformation. According to him, when access to credible information is weakened, public trust erodes, debates become distorted, and societies grow more divided, making crises harder to manage.

He stressed that freedom of expression underpins all other freedoms, adding that without a free press, human rights, sustainable development, and peace cannot be fully achieved.

The UN chief also called for stronger measures to protect journalists, noting that media professionals often risk their lives to report the truth. He pointed out that in many situations—especially during conflicts—journalists are among the earliest victims, facing threats such as censorship, surveillance, legal intimidation, and even targeted killings.

Guterres further highlighted the rising number of journalist deaths globally, warning that many are deliberately attacked, particularly in conflict zones, simply for carrying out their duty of informing the public.