Furthermore, a surge in disinformation, online bullying and hate speech, particularly against women journalists, is contributing to the stifling of media workers around the globe. This situation, combined with working conditions and lack of opportunities for development, has affected journalistic quality, she added. A decade ago, countries endorsed the UN action plan which aims to protect journalists, prevent crimes against them, and pursue their perpetrators.
Unsolved murders
Eighteen have been murdered so far this year, according to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which maintains an online database on judicial enquiries into journalist killings worldwide. Despite their critical role, more than 70 journalists have been killed this year alone. “This means in situations of conflict and crisis, of course, and UNESCO is supporting journalists in Ukraine and Afghanistan, for instance. It also means in times of peace – for that is when most journalists have been killed in recent years,” she said. The Secretary-General underscored the importance of a free press, which he said is vital to a functioning democracy, exposing wrongdoing, navigating our complex world, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – the blueprint for a more just, equitable and greener future.
“He had already been buried, and still the following year his family was expelled from their home. Even death is not enough.”
Mexico: Violence and silence
UNIC Mexico/Antonio Nieto Patricia Monreal Vázquez has been reporting for more than 25 years, and covers issues related to human rights, gender, and electoral and political issues. She is based in Morelia, capital of the western state of Michoacán. Patricia Monreal Vázquez has been a journalist since 1996. “And this began to inhibit, it began to silence, to generate self-control in the media,” she said, noting that 14 “comrades” have been killed, and six have disappeared, since then. “This groundbreaking document was adopted to acknowledge the vital work journalists do – for example when they report on conflicts and crises, or when they inquire into the workings of power and investigate corruption and other forms of injustice – as well as the risks they face when doing this,” said Audrey Azoulay, the UNESCO Director-General.
‘Even death is not enough’
The UNESCO chief further called for stepping up efforts online, where new forms of violence have surfaced, especially targeting women, with three in four women journalists having experienced online harassment. Much progress has been made since the plan’s adoption, she reported, with concrete measures implemented at the national, regional and global levels. Mexico is among the most dangerous places to be a journalist. However, “journalists continue to be killed at an alarming rate”, said Ms. Azoulay. UNESCO data reveals that 955 journalists have lost their lives over the past decade, and 2022 has been the deadliest year since 2018.
Groundbreaking action plan
“On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, let us honour our media workers, and stand up for truth, justice and human rights for all,” he said. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. Ms. Monreal said violence against journalists has worsened since 2006, which is when the first cases of journalist disappearances began. UNESCO has also played a part, including through training nearly 36,000 judicial, law enforcement and security officials on issues such as freedom of expression and the security of journalists, including online. “Most of these crimes go unsolved. Meanwhile, a record number of journalists are incarcerated today, while threats of imprisonment, violence, and death keep growing,” said Mr. Guterres.
In war and peace
“Yes, there is an inhibitory effect, especially at the regional level, and media outlets are being closed due to threats,” said Ms. Monreal. “It is a very complex situation because it involves families,” she continued, citing the 2017 kidnapping and murder of Salvador Adame, director of a local TV station, as an example. “Intimidation through the abuse of legal, financial and other means, is undermining efforts to hold the powerful accountable. These trends threaten not only journalists, but society as a whole,” he added.
