The United Nations has issued a strong warning over the growing wave of attacks on journalists globally, calling for urgent action to protect press freedom and uphold democratic values.
Titansloaded reports that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, made the call ahead of World Press Freedom Day, stressing that the safety of journalists remains under serious threat across the world.
According to data cited by the UN, about 330 journalists are currently detained globally, alongside nearly 500 citizen journalists and bloggers, highlighting the scale of intimidation facing media professionals.
Türk warned that governments are increasingly using laws related to defamation, cybercrime, and terrorism to silence journalists, while costly legal battles are being deployed to frustrate investigative reporting and limit accountability.
He further noted that no country can be considered entirely safe for journalists, emphasizing that normalising attacks on the media undermines peace, security, and sustainable development.
The UN also paid tribute to journalists who risk their lives daily to expose corruption, document human rights violations, and hold powerful institutions accountable despite growing dangers.
Reports indicate that at least 14 journalists have been killed since the beginning of the year, with very few cases leading to justice, raising concerns about widespread impunity.
The United Nations also expressed concern over the increasing dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones, where many have lost their lives while covering wars, including in Gaza.
Additionally, the global body highlighted the rise in online harassment, particularly targeting female journalists who face threats, coordinated abuse, and smear campaigns.
In a related statement, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, warned that journalists are increasingly becoming direct targets, stressing that press freedom is under unprecedented pressure worldwide.
The UN has now called on governments to take decisive steps to protect journalists, ensure accountability for attacks, and defend media independence, while also urging technology companies to address online abuse and disinformation.
