UN urges urgent protection for journalists and end to impunity
France, Greece, and Lithuania, co-chairs of the UN Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists, called for urgent action to safeguard press freedom and end impunity for crimes against journalists, ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
The countries reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of opinion and expression and stressed the need for a free, independent, and pluralistic press. Officials emphasized that journalists must be able to expose injustices and demand accountability without risking their safety.
Highlighting the growing global threats to press freedom, they cited UNESCO data showing that over 80 journalists have been killed this year alone. They called for thorough and transparent investigations into such killings, noting that impunity remains one of the greatest challenges to preventing future attacks.
Marking the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 2222, the co-chairs stressed the need to protect journalists in armed conflicts, condemning the targeted killings of media workers, who are considered civilians under international humanitarian law.
They also highlighted that human rights apply online as well as offline, denouncing harassment and attacks on journalists and urging digital platforms to take stronger action against such abuses.
According to efsyn.gr, special concern was raised for women journalists, who face disproportionate online gender-based violence, deepfake misuse, non-consensual publication of private content, and automated sexual harassment attacks. These threats create a chilling effect, forcing many women to self-censor or leave the profession. The statement warned that artificial intelligence must not become a tool to silence voices or undermine press freedom.
The co-chairs concluded by calling on all states to fully implement UN mechanisms, including the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, and encouraged support for this year’s UN General Assembly resolution on Journalist Safety and Impunity.
