When journalists are silenced, we all lose our voice, states UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

He points out that the world must unite to defend press freedom and demand accountability to ensure journalists have the freedom to speak the truth without fear.

The Secretary-General called for an end to impunity for crimes against journalists in a message issued yesterday (2) for the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

He requests states to ensure justice is served for journalists who have suffered injustice.
Guterres declares that media professionals worldwide face increasing dangers in their pursuit of truth.

His statement mentions that these dangers include legal threats, verbal abuse, physical attacks, imprisonment, and torture, with some journalists even being killed.

The Secretary-General emphasises that justice is not served in nine out of ten journalist killings globally.

He reiterates that nearly nine out of ten journalist murders worldwide remain unresolved.

He points out that the Gaza Strip is the deadliest place for journalists in a conflict.
Guterres once again called for independent and impartial investigations regarding the Gaza Strip.

The Secretary-General also emphasises that impunity for violence against journalists poses a threat to democracy.

He highlights that impunity for crimes anywhere is not only an injustice to the victims and their families, but it is an attack on media freedom, an invitation for further violence, and a threat to democracy itself.

The Secretary-General urges governments to investigate every incident.

He stresses that every culprit must be prosecuted and that governments must ensure journalists can perform their duties freely everywhere.

Guterres points out that we must also address the alarming rise in online abuse targeting women journalists.
He says this abuse largely goes unpunished and often leads to real-world harm.
He also mentions in his statement that digital spaces must be made safer for those who gather and report the news.