‘End all crackdowns against journalists’ – UN chief

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an end to all crackdowns against journalists in the course of their duties.

Guterres, in his message on the occasion of the 2017 World Press Freedom Day, commemorated on May 3, stressed that a free press advanced peace and justice for all.

The UN chief commended journalists for their sacrifices and risks they undertook in giving voice to the voiceless members of the society.

“Journalists go to the most dangerous places to give voice to the voiceless.

“Media workers suffer character assassination, sexual assault, detention, injuries and even death.

“We need leaders to defend a free media. This is crucial to counter prevailing misinformation; and we need everyone to stand for our right to truth.

“On World Press Freedom Day, I call for an end to all crackdowns against journalists – because a free press advances peace and justice for all.

“When we protect journalists, their words and pictures can change our world,” the UN chief said.

The theme for the 2017 Day is: ‘Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies’.

World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, and assess the state of press freedom throughout the world.

It is also an opportunity to defend the media from attacks on their independence, and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.