Guterres on World Press Freedom Day

The Secretary-General Antonio Guterressaid that media workers are risking their lives trying to bring news on everything from war to democracy, in his message for the World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd.

He called on governments, private sector, and civil society to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding press freedom. António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations said “The United Nations recognizes the invaluable work of journalists and media professionals to ensure that the public is informed and engaged.

Without facts, we cannot fight mis- and disinformation. Without accountability, we will not have strong policies in place. Without press freedom, we won’t have any freedom. A free press is not a choice, but a necessity.” The UNESCO reported that in the past 15 years, there have been some 750 attacks on journalists and news outlets reporting on environmental issues, and the frequency of such attacks is rising, Guterres added.