''When Journalists Are Silenced, We All Lose Our Voice''

“Let us stand together to defend press freedom, demand accountability, and ensure those who speak truth to power can do so without fear.”

On Sunday’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls for the protection of media professionals worldwide so they can safely carry out their essential work.

This year’s theme, “Chat GBV: Raising Awareness on AI-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Against Women Journalists,” draws attention to how new technologies are amplifying old dangers and creating new risks for women in the media.

He warned of the growing dangers they face in their pursuit of truth —including verbal abuse, legal threats, physical attacks, imprisonment, torture and even death.

Ending impunity for crimes against journalists, the UN emphasized, remains one of the most pressing challenges of modern times. It is a vital precondition for ensuring freedom of expression and access to information — rights that underpin democracy itself.