UN: 85% Of Crimes Against Journalists Unpunished

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said 85% of crimes against journalists go unpunished and are not investigated.

In his address for the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, globally celebrated on May 3, 2026, the UN Secretary-General described attacks on journalists as unacceptable levels of impunity, adding that press freedom is a fundamental pillar of democracy.

Guterres recalled that the 1991 Windhoek Declaration strongly emphasised media freedom, prompting the United Nations to dedicate the day to defending and strengthening press freedom worldwide.

He warned that economic pressures, emerging technologies and deliberate information manipulation were placing press freedom under strain.

“When access to reliable information erodes, mistrust takes root. When public debate is distorted, social cohesion weakens. And when journalism is undermined, crises become far more difficult to prevent and resolve,” he said.

“All freedom depends on press freedom. Without it, there can be no human rights, no sustainable development, and no peace.”

Guterres also demanded stronger protection for journalists worldwide and called for efforts to ensure their safety. He added that journalists are the first casualties in conflict and risk their lives during reportage.

“People often say that in war, truth is the first casualty. But far too frequently, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth, not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny,” he added.

“Across the globe, media workers risk censorship, surveillance, legal harassment, and even death.”