World Press Freedom Day
– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, President of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly, at World Press Freedom Day
Excellencies, distinguished delegates, members of the media and civil society, ladies and gentlemen,
It was the General Assembly that established World Press Freedom Day back in 1993. Member States understood the vital role that journalists play in our societies. They report the stories that we need to hear. They shed light on the issues that affect us all. They tell the truth – even when the powerful want to silence them.
Journalists need to be free to do their work. Here, at the United Nations on World Press Freedom Day, we can all agree on that.
But journalists must also be safe.
Journalists are a part of our work here. None of the reporters in this room are afraid of being attacked right now. But the situation is quite different in the rest of the world.
Just this week, for example, at least 10 journalists were killed in Afghanistan. That brings the total amount of journalists killed in 2018 to 32. And we are not even halfway through this year.
We cannot become complacent to these kinds of attacks. They cannot become the new normal.
We must also remember that the safety of journalists is not just an issue in war zones. Journalists can be murdered anywhere. In any of our countries. I could not imagine a journalist could be murdered in my own country. But it did happen two months ago. And that is unacceptable.
Last December, the General Assembly condemned all violence against members of the press. Member States were concerned that the vast majority of crimes against journalists go unpunished. That in turn leads to these types of attacks happening over and over again.
The Assembly also deplored the threats faced by women journalists in particular — both online and offline — including sexual and gender-based discrimination, violence, intimidation and harassment.
The resolution was an important expression of political will. I hope it inspires action on the ground.
I welcome the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day: “Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and the Rule of Law”.
First, it reminds us that we need to enact and enforce laws, which will protect the media, and ensure that they can express themselves freely.
It is not enough to wring our hands and hope that things get better. We need strong policies in place.
Second, the theme draws attention to the crucial role that journalists play in holding our institutions accountable.
Leaders can share information with their constituents. But someone has to check that information.
In that sense, the work of the press has the power to build trust throughout all levels of society.
And as journalists help our institutions get stronger and more just, we move closer to meeting Sustainable Development Goal number 16.
Third, the theme highlights the part that judges and judicial officials must play so that the media can operate in a free and independent manner.
When someone harms a journalist, they should know that there will be grave consequences. They must be held accountable before the law. And their crimes must be prosecuted.
When journalists are silenced, people suffer… So, on this day and all days, let us reassure journalists that they can count on us. Let us recommit: to protect them, to include them, and to respect the role that they play.
My presidency also has a theme. It is “Focusing on people.” This theme is interconnected with the principles of World Press Freedom Day.
Because, people need journalists.
For information.
For education.
For inspiration.
For solidarity.
And, for hope – when the rest of the world seems to be looking away.
When journalists are silenced, people suffer. And when journalists are free to do their work, people are given tools that can help guide them to decent lives on a sustainable planet.
And, journalists are also crucial to what we do here – at the United Nations. They bring our work outside these halls. They communicate with people we sometimes cannot. They hold us to account, and call us to action.
So, on this day and all days, let us reassure journalists that they can count on us.
Let us recommit: to protect them, to include them, and to respect the role that they play both inside and outside these walls.
Thank you.