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Threats to media workers’ freedom ‘growing by the day’, UN chief warns |



The day shines a spotlight on the essential work they do, bringing those in power to account with transparency, “often at great risk”, the secretary-general said. António Guterres, in a video message.

Crisis front

“Throughout COVID-19 During the pandemic, many media workers have been at the forefront, delivering accurate, science-based news to inform decision makers and save lives,” he said.

“At the same time, journalists specializing in climate, biodiversity and pollution have succeeded in bringing global attention to this tri-planetary crisis.”

But threats to their freedom to report and tell stories fairly and accurately, are multiplying daily.

“From global health to the climate crisis, corruption and human rights abuses, they face increasingly politicize their work and try to silence them from many sides.

“Digital technology has democratized access to information. But it has also created serious challenges.”

Cultivate resentment, lie

The head of the United Nations noted that many social media platforms make money not through increasing accessibility of fact-based reporting, but through driving engagement, “which often means incite outrage and spread lies.”

“Communicators in war zones are threatened not only by bombs and bullets, but also by the weapons of disinformation and disinformation that accompanies modern warfare. They can be attacked as enemies, accused of espionage, detained or killed, simply for doing their job. “

Mr. Guterres said that digital technology is also making censorship easier for authoritarian governments and others, seeking to suppress the truth, with many journalists and editors having to face the prospect of their work being taken offline every day.

Women at ‘special risk’

Digital technology is also creating new “channels of oppression and abuse”, with female journalists “are at particular risk”“On online harassment and violence.

Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization of the United Nations, UNESCO, found that nearly three-quarters of the women polled had experienced online violence. Hacking and illegal surveillance also prevent journalists from doing their jobs.

“Methods and tools change, but The goal of discrediting the media and covering up the truth remains the same as alwayssaid the head of the United Nations, resulting in citizens living in societies without free media being “manipulated in appalling ways”.

Undemocratic

“Without a free press, there are no truly democratic societies. Without freedom of the press there is no freedom,” he said.

Ten years ago, the United Nations established Journalist Safety Action Planto protect media workers and end punishment for crimes committed against them, and the UN is continuing to fight to protect their rights.

This year’s World Press Freedom Day The global conference, which begins Monday and runs through May 5 in Punta Del Este, Uruguay, is built around the theme Journalism in the age of digital siege.

Participants will discuss the impact of the digital age on freedom of expression, the safety of journalists, access to information, and privacy. World Press Freedom Day events will bring together stakeholders such as policymakers, journalists, media representatives, activists, cybersecurity regulators and legal experts to explore these issues and develop concrete solutions to address the threats posed to press freedom and privacy in the digital age.



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