World Press Freedom Day: In times of conflict, protecting journalists is protecting the truth

On May 3rd each year, we commemorate World Press Freedom Day, an occasion to reaffirm a fundamental truth: freedom of expression is a cornerstone for promoting and protecting human rights.

Yet journalists around the world continue to face intimidation, violence, and even death simply for carrying out their duty to seek, convey, and share the truth.

During times of armed conflict, the risks faced by journalists, photographers, and media workers are compounded, as they risk their lives daily to bring the facts to the world’s attention. Often, they pay a heavy price, with many being deliberately targeted, a grave violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law.

International humanitarian law affirms that journalists working in conflict zones must have their rights respected and protected and must be treated as civilians, including protection from all forms of violence. Yet we are witnessing increasing violations in this regard and a growing climate of impunity.

Today, as conflicts intensify across parts of our region, the price paid by journalists is starkly visible. In Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and elsewhere, journalists have been killed, injured, arbitrarily detained, or forcibly disappeared.

Across the region, the state of freedom of expression remains deeply concerning. Laws that criminalise criticism of authorities, vague interpretations of terms such as “fake news,” and the use of anti-terrorism legislation and cybercrime laws to silence dissent are all tools used to suppress freedom of expression.

Independent media outlets are being shut down, journalists face legal harassment, their equipment is confiscated, their offices destroyed, their families threatened, and surveillance intensified. Independent journalism has become a perilous endeavour, and self-censorship is increasingly used as a means of survival.

This not only silences individual voices, but deprives entire communities, and the international community, of their right to know. According to international human rights standards, restrictions on freedom of expression must be legally grounded, serve a legitimate purpose, and be necessary and proportionate.

In many cases, the restrictions imposed do not meet these criteria, resulting in eroded public trust, stifled dialogue, and heightened instability.

Today, we must stand in solidarity with journalists, especially those who fulfil their duties under fire.

We call on all parties to conflict to respect international law and ensure the protection of journalists and media workers.

We urge states to review or amend laws that restrict freedom of expression or impose controls inconsistent with international human rights law, and to create a safe and enabling environment for free and independent journalism.

Freedom of expression is not a luxury nor a threat. It is a fundamental human right, the essence of dignity, accountability, and peace.

When we defend the rights of journalists, we are in fact defending every individual’s right to access information, to participate, and to seek justice and accountability.

On this World Press Freedom Day, let us renew our commitment, not just in words, but through action, to protect journalists, uphold freedom of expression, and defend the truth.

Mazen Shaqoura is the Regional Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Middle East and North Africa