UN Chief Demands Justice for Crimes Against Journalists

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged global action to end impunity for crimes against journalists, warning that media professionals face escalating threats in their pursuit of truth.

In his message marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Guterres said journalists worldwide are increasingly subjected to verbal abuse, legal harassment, physical attacks, imprisonment, and even torture.

“Some are even killed,” he said. “On this day, we demand justice.”

He noted that nearly nine out of ten killings of journalists remain unsolved, calling this failure a grave injustice that undermines press freedom and encourages further violence.

The UN chief also highlighted that Gaza has become the deadliest place for journalists in any conflict and renewed his call for independent and fair investigations.

Guterres urged all governments to thoroughly investigate every case, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure that journalists can work freely and safely everywhere.

He further expressed concern over the growing wave of online abuse, particularly targeting women journalists.

“When journalists are silenced, we all lose our voice,” Guterres warned.