Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly
3 May 2022
Excellencies, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen
I thank UNESCO and the Government of Uruguay for organizing this High-level dialogue of the Global Conference to commemorate the 2022 World Press Freedom Day. I convey my deep regret that I am not able to attend this meeting in person, in the beautiful city of Punta del Este.
It is my honor to co-chair this high-level dialogue, alongside the Presidents of the General Conference of UNESCO and the Human Rights Council, which are the main UN entities mandated to promote freedom of expression, press freedom andthe safety of journalists
My friends,
Today, we recognize and celebrate press freedom as a cornerstone of a robust democracy. Journalists play a critical role in conveying accurate and timely information to the public;in fostering healthy public dialogue, and debate; and in holding governments accountable.
Often, they go to great lengths on behalf of the public interest,risking their safety, and even their lives. They deserve to be recognized not only for the service they provide, but also for their bravery.
Yet, we now witness several worrying trends. The number of journalists that are placed in detention has increased, as has harassment against journalists – both offline and online.
More frequently, online harassment against journalists is taking on gendered dimensions, with women journalists being targeted for misogynistic abuse. This can sometimes escalate into physical threats and violence. As we put in place much needed measures to protect journalists, it is important that our approach is gender sensitive.
Dear colleagues,
The theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day “Journalism Under Digital Siege” is highly pertinent. As we speak, not only are attacks against journalists and media workers increasing; and not only are more journalists being killed in conflict zones; but states themselves are putting journalists at risk, by the misuse of new digital tools, such as surveillance technologies and spyware.
On this World Press Freedom Day, as we reflect on how we can better protect journalists, we must consider the implications of the misuse of such tools on journalism and press freedoms.
Digital surveillance of journalists not only threatens the safety and privacy of journalists themselves, but also of their sources, and their families and relatives. Much more needs to be done at the national, regional, and global levels to reverse these trends.
My friends,
I find it heartening that the General Assembly has played an active role in prioritizing the safety and security of journalists – including through proclaiming 3rd May as World Press Freedom Day, and through adopting a series of resolutions relevant to the safety of journalists
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines freedom of opinion and expression as fundamental human rights. And as recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in target 16.10, these rights are necessary for democracies to thrive, prosper and develop.
Therefore, on this World Press Freedom Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to protect journalists, to value free expression and to combat the harassment of journalists and media workers.
Thank you.
