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	Myanmar: People yearn for a peaceful, inclusive and democratic future by UN News, OHCHR, WFP, agencies   May 2025   Myanmar: UN report maps pathway to fulfil aspirations for peace, inclusivity and democracy. (OHCHR)   In the face of years of suffering and abuse, the vast majority of the people of Myanmar are united in their defiance of military authoritarianism and violence, a report by the UN Human Rights Office finds, calling for renewed international resolve to end the military’s stranglehold on power and to support the democratic aspirations of the Myanmar people.   “Ever since the military disrupted Myanmar’s democratic path in 2021, the country has endured an increasingly catastrophic human rights crisis marked by unabated violence and atrocities that have affected every single aspect of life,” said UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk.   “Over the past months, my Office has consulted with Myanmar people across all ethnic communities, sectors and demographics, particularly listening to the voices of young people, on their vision for the future,” the High Commissioner said. “They have been united in one message: they don’t want to be ruled by guns, but, rather, yearn for a peaceful, inclusive and democratic society.”   Due to be presented to the Human Rights Council on 1 July 2025, the report underscores the importance of tackling the root causes of the crisis, including unchecked political and economic power concentrated in the military’s hands, generalised impunity, instrumentalization of laws and institutions to serve military interests, and an overall system of governance based on structural racial discrimination, exclusion and division.   It identifies four key areas to the path forward: accountability, good governance, sustainable development and the actions of international and regional stakeholders.   The report also identifies the “constituents for change” -- namely women, youth, civil society organisations and grassroots networks, pro-democracy actors and the media. The voices in the report call for dismantling military-controlled institutions and economic structures, pointing in particular to the military’s domination and exploitation of the economy and natural resources for their own enrichment..   http://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/05/myanmar-un-report-maps-pathway-fulfil-aspirations-peace-inclusivity-and http://www.ohchr.org/en/statements-and-speeches/2025/06/hc-turk-myanmar-people-yearn-peaceful-inclusive-and-democratic http://specialadvisorycouncil.org/2025/07/new-sac-m-report-chinas-support-for-the-myanmar-militarys-production-of-aerial-bombs/ http://iimm.un.org/en/rohingyas-safe-return-myanmar-impossible-until-crimes-against-them-end-and-perpetrators-held http://www.hrw.org/news/2025/08/22/8-years-on-accountability-needed-for-myanmar-atrocities-against-rohingya   28 Feb. 2025   United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk update on the human rights situation in Myanmar / 58th session of the Human Rights Council:   "The human rights situation in Myanmar is among the worst in the world. Today, I will go through a litany of human suffering that is difficult to fathom.   Conflict, displacement and economic collapse have combined to cause pain and misery across the country. Civilians are paying a terrible price. The number killed in violence in 2024 was the highest since the military launched their coup in 2021.   Fifteen million people face hunger this year and in the latest appalling development, up to two million people are reported to be at risk of famine.   Most civilians were killed in brutal and indiscriminate airstrikes and artillery shelling by the military, as it continues to lose its grip on power. The targeting of schools, places of worship, healthcare facilities, displacement camps and public events caused mass civilian casualties and displacement.   At least 1,824 people were killed in 2024, including 531 women and 248 children, but these figures are probably a fraction of the real numbers as there is no verified information from several key areas where heavy fighting took place.   Analysis by my Office suggests the military has attacked healthcare facilities and staff more than 1,500 times since the coup, killing 131 health professionals.   Armed groups opposed to the coup also targeted administrators, local politicians and people affiliated with the military. While this violence is not comparable in scale and scope to that carried out by the military, all parties must respect human rights and humanitarian law.   The military continued its campaign of terrorizing the population through acts of extreme brutality, including beheadings, burnings, mutilations, executions, torture, and the use of human shields. Soldiers launched unprovoked attacks on villages where there was no active fighting.   For example, last October, the military conducted at least 13 airstrikes, burned up to 1,000 houses and killed at least 25 civilians across several villages in Budalin Township, Sagaing, in one day.   Nearly two thousand people have died in custody since the coup, including 410 in 2024 – more than one person per day. Analysis by my Office indicates most deaths were the result of summary executions and torture.   There are continued reports of the systematic use of torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence, in places of detention. Conditions were reported to be horrific, with squalid facilities, overcrowding, rotten food and contaminated water.   Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis continues to rage. Over 3.5 million people are displaced, and 20 million are in need of humanitarian assistance.   Hunger is reaching catastrophic levels and agricultural productivity has declined by 16 per cent since 2021. Fertilizer shortages, skyrocketing fuel prices, and trade disruptions have driven the price of rice up by 47 per cent in some regions.   The State Administrative Council took further steps in 2024 towards militarizing the entire population of Myanmar.   The activation of a law on military service led to coercive conscription into the armed forces, arbitrary arrests, often at gunpoint, and the enforced disappearance of women and men at military checkpoints and in displacement camps.   Men aged between 18 and 35, and women aged between 18 and 27, face a constant risk of arrest and recruitment into the armed forces.   This has created widespread fear and further displacement. Many young people are attempting to seek safety outside the country – putting them at further risk of trafficking, extortion and exploitation, while increasing the regional impact of this crisis.   The creation of so-called ‘Security and Anti-terrorism Groups’ at the local level has also blurred the distinction between military and civilians, putting civilians at further risk.   Collectively, these policies have had a serious impact on the economy, which was already on its knees. Three-quarters of the population are at, or below, the poverty line. Less than 80 percent of Myanmar’s children are in school, and over 3.7 million young people have left to seek protection beyond the country’s borders.   Myanmar’s Gross Domestic Product has contracted by seventeen per cent since 2020 and is not projected to grow this year. The currency has plummeted, and restrictions on imports and supply chain disruptions sent prices soaring. Inflation is projected at thirty per cent this year.   As the formal economy collapsed, crime and corruption flourished. The Global Organized Crime Index reports Myanmar was the biggest nexus of organized crime in the world in 2024..   Member States, particularly those with influence, need to work together to bolster and support ASEAN members to end the violence and resolve the crisis. That will require a political path that includes not only the National Unity Government, ethnic armed groups, and the democracy movement, but also representatives from women’s groups, youth, and civil society.   I am deeply concerned by the impact funding cuts will have on Myanmar’s embattled civil society and humanitarians. Amid challenging human rights situations around the world, I appeal to the international community to prioritize Myanmar.   http://www.ohchr.org/en/statements-and-speeches/2025/02/high-commissioner-turk-decries-litany-human-suffering-myanmar http://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/03/third-myanmars-population-faces-food-insecurity-un-human-rights-experts http://www.acaps.org/en/countries/archives/detail/myanmar-implications-of-the-us-funding-freeze http://reliefweb.int/country/mmr   Feb. 2025   Myanmar on the brink as conflict fuels hunger. WFP   Hunger has reached alarming levels in Myanmar with the situation set to worsen in 2025, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned today. A staggering 15 million people are expected to face hunger in 2025, up from 13.3 million last year.   Those living in active conflict areas, particularly in Chin, Kachin and Rakhine states, as well as Sagaing Region, are experiencing the highest levels of food insecurity in the country. Almost 20 million people - 1 in 3 - will need humanitarian assistance this year, according to the Myanmar Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.   “Growing conflict across the country, access restrictions, a crumbling economy and successive weather-related crises are driving record levels of hunger,” said Michael Dunford, WFP’s Representative and Country Director.   More than 3.5 million people are displaced in Myanmar due to armed conflict and violence, a number projected to increase to 4.5 million in 2025 as conflict takes root and spreads to new areas.   Food is the biggest need for displaced people but spiraling costs and rapid inflation have made it unaffordable for many. The cost of basic staples – including rice, beans, oil and salt – has increased by 30 percent in the past year.   “Food prices in Myanmar continue to rise each and every month. Even if some food is available in local markets, people simply don't have the resources to buy the basics, which means they are eating less and going hungry," said Dunford.   The rapid escalation in humanitarian and food security needs in Myanmar has been overshadowed by international political turmoil and a surge in global crises, which have drawn public attention away from Myanmar.   “The world cannot afford to overlook Myanmar’s escalating crisis. Without immediate and increased international support, hundreds of thousands more will be pushed to the brink,” said Dunford.   http://www.wfp.org/news/myanmar-brink-conflict-fuels-hunger http://news.un.org/en/story/2025/01/1159641 http://www.wfp.org/news/wfp-appeals-urgent-funding-prevent-ration-cuts-over-one-million-rohingya-refugees-bangladesh http://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news-feature/2025/02/27/myanmar-war-victims-rohingya-refugees-us-aid-cuts   Jan. 2025   The UN Secretary-General said this week Myanmar’s military must relinquish power to allow a return to civilian rule through an inclusive democratic transition, as the country marks four years since the junta seized power.   Following the coup, President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi were detained and the country was plunged into a humanitarian and human rights crisis that has only worsened amid an intensifying civil conflict.   “Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemns all forms of violence and calls on all parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint, uphold human rights and international humanitarian law, and prevent further incitement of violence and intercommunal tensions,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in statement.   The situation in Myanmar is in freefall, with nearly 20 million people – a third of the population – expected to need humanitarian aid this year.   Hunger has reached alarming levels, with 15 million people projected to face acute food insecurity in 2025, up from 13.3 million last year. The cost of basic food staples has risen by 30 percent in the past year due to soaring inflation and supply chain disruptions caused by conflict.   “Even if some food is available in local markets, people simply don't have the resources to buy the basics, which means they are eating less and going hungry,” said Michael Dunford, UN World Food Programme (WFP) Representative in Myanmar.   Conflict, displacement and economic collapse   Fighting between junta forces and opposition armed groups – marked by indiscriminate aerial bombardments, village burnings, and executions – has displaced over 3.5 million people within the country. Many others have fled across borders seeking safety, particularly in Thailand and Bangladesh.   Those in conflict-affected areas, including Chin, Kachin, Rakhine and Sagaing regions, are suffering the worst levels of food insecurity. The collapse of Myanmar’s economy, combined with access restrictions and disasters, has left communities on the brink.   Secretary-General Guterres also expressed concerns over the military’s plan to hold elections, warning that intensifying conflict and widespread human rights violations do not permit free and peaceful polls.   He said more cooperation was essential on the part of political and military leaders to bring an end to hostilities and help the people of Myanmar forge a path towards an inclusive democratic transition.   “A viable future for Myanmar must ensure safety, accountability, and opportunity for all its communities, including the Rohingya, and address the root causes of conflict, discrimination and disenfranchisement in all its forms,” the statement noted.   Tom Andrews, the UN’s independent human rights expert on Myanmar, criticized the junta’s election plans as “a fraud,” stressing that it is not possible to hold a legitimate vote while arresting, detaining, and executing opposition leaders and criminalizing media freedom.   “Junta forces have killed thousands of civilians, bombed and burned villages, and displaced millions of people. More than 20,000 political prisoners remain behind bars,” he said. “The economy and public services have collapsed. Famine and starvation loom over large parts of the population”.   Calling on the international community “to help end the nightmare” in Myanmar, Mr. Andrews praised the resilience of Myanmar’s pro-democracy activists, journalists, and humanitarian workers who continue to document abuses and provide aid.   “The resilience and courage of Myanmar’s people continue to amaze and inspire others around the world… These heroic efforts are compelling indicators that Myanmar’s best days lie ahead,” he said.   The Special Rapporteur urged governments to impose stronger sanctions, restrict the junta’s access to weapons and support international justice mechanisms, including efforts to bring Myanmar’s military leaders to justice in the International Criminal Court (ICC).   “Impunity has enabled a decades-long cycle of violence and oppression in Myanmar. Ultimately, this sad chapter of Myanmar’s history must end with junta leaders being prosecuted for their crimes,” he said.   Mandated and appointed by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, Mr. Andrews works independently of the UN Secretariat.   http://news.un.org/en/story/2025/01/1159641 http://www.idea.int/news/joint-statement-international-election-experts-and-organizations-myanmar-2025 http://constitutionnet.org/idea-myanmar http://www.wfp.org/news/myanmar-brink-conflict-fuels-hunger http://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/03/third-myanmars-population-faces-food-insecurity-un-human-rights-experts http://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/01/myanmar-four-years-coup-leaders-ramp-violations-unprecedented-levels-un   Jan. 2024   Three years after the military launched a coup, Myanmar’s ever deteriorating human rights crisis is now in freefall, with insufficient world attention paid to the misery and pain of its people, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said today.   “Amid all of the crises around the world, it is important no one is forgotten. The people of Myanmar have been suffering for too long. Since the end of October last year, their situation has deteriorated even further as a result of the long-established tactics of the military to target them,” he said ahead of the anniversary of the coup on 1 February.   “Pitched battles between the military and armed opposition groups have resulted in mass displacement and civilian casualties. As the military have suffered setback after setback on the battlefield, they have lashed out, launching waves of indiscriminate aerial bombardments and artillery strikes.”   Sources have verified that over 554 people have died since October. Overall for 2023, the number of civilians reportedly killed by the military rose to over 1,600, an increase of some 300 from the previous year. As of 26 January, credible sources had documented the arrest of nearly 26,000 people on political grounds – of whom 19,973 remain in detention, some reportedly subjected to torture and abuses, and with no hope of a fair trial. Over the last three years, some 1,576 individuals have died while being held by the military.   “Military tactics have consistently focused on the punishment of civilians who they view as supporting their enemies,” said Türk. “As a result, the military has routinely targeted civilians and protected objects under international humanitarian law, especially medical facilities and schools.   “Indiscriminate shelling and airstrikes underline the lack of measures to protect civilians on the ground, including disruption of basic communications that would help warn civilians in advance of fighting so they could get out of harm’s way.”   Communications and internet services in some 74 townships, including most of the 17 townships in Rakhine State, are experiencing partial, intermittent or total shutdowns.   Rakhine State has been particularly hard hit since fighting restarted there in November. Many communities, especially the Rohingya, were already suffering from the impacts of Cyclone Mocha and the military’s months-long limitation of humanitarian access and provision of assistance. There have now been several reports of Rohingya deaths and injuries amid the military’s shelling of Rohingya villages.   On Friday 26 January, fighting between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military reportedly left at least 12 Rohingya civilians dead and 30 others wounded in Hpon Nyo Leik village, where inhabitants are trapped between the two warring parties. The Arakan Army allegedly positioned its troops in and around this Rohingya village anticipating the military’s attacks. The military repeatedly shelled the village, destroying infrastructure.   Parties to armed conflicts must take constant care to spare the civilians and civilian objects, in the conduct of military operations, which includes taking feasible measures to protect the civilian population under their control against the effects of attack, the High Commissioner said.   Similarly, Rohingya refugees, trapped in dire humanitarian conditions in camps in Bangladesh and with no safe prospect of return, are again risking desperate and dangerous journeys by sea, finding few ports or communities in the region willing to accept or welcome them.   The international community must redouble efforts to hold the military accountable, the UN Human Rights Chief said, recalling the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice for Myanmar to take "all measures within its power" to protect the members of the Rohingya group from all future acts that may amount to genocide, and to take effective measures to ensure the preservation of evidence related to the alleged acts.   “This crisis will only be resolved by insisting on accountability for the military’s leadership, the release of political prisoners and the restoration of civilian rule,” Turk said.   "I urge all Member States to take appropriate measures to address this crisis, including to consider imposing further targeted sanctions on the military to constrain their ability to commit serious violations and disregard international law -- limiting access to weapons, jet fuel, and foreign currency.   “I commend the courage and resilience of Myanmar’s civil society and democratic movement, representing all ethnic communities, and urge their inclusion in any political process to restore democracy and respect for human rights in Myanmar.”   Jan. 2024 (OCHA)   There has been a serious escalation in the conflict in Myanmar. Fighting is occurring across multiple fronts, with a fragile ceasefire in northern Shan and heavy fighting now affecting most of Rakhine State.   Civilians are fleeing their homes at record levels, with 2.6 million people currently displaced nationwide, with many having been uprooted multiple times. Their coping capacities are now stretched to the limit.   More than 18 million people need humanitarian aid this year – up from 1 million people before the military takeover.   Humanitarian workers are trying to meet people’s needs wherever they can, reaching more than 3 million people with assistance nationwide last year. But it is not enough – humanitarian organizations need both greater access and a drastic improvement in funding to assist the most vulnerable people.   Sustained underfunding of both the humanitarian and development operations in Myanmar has led to significant unmet needs that are now cascading into 2024.   Humanitarian organizations are requesting US$994 million dollars to support the response in Myanmar in 2024. The situation demands immediate attention and increased international support to address both the humanitarian and development challenges facing the civilian population.   http://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/01/myanmar-human-rights-situation-worsens-military-lashes-out-indiscriminately http://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2024/01/myanmar-un-expert-urges-coordinated-action-un-member-states-eve-third http://iimm.un.org/three-years-of-widespread-systematic-violence-in-myanmar-and-the-evidence-against-perpetrators-is-mounting/ http://reliefweb.int/report/myanmar/secretary-general-underscores-urgency-forging-path-towards-democratic-transition-civilian-rule-myanmar http://reliefweb.int/report/myanmar/myanmar-humanitarian-needs-and-response-plan-2024-december-2023   http://www.globalr2p.org/publications/expert-voices-on-atrocity-prevention-episode-30-yanghee-lee/ http://specialadvisorycouncil.org/2023/12/time-for-an-international-criminal-tribunal-myanmar/ http://www.ipsnews.net/2024/02/myanmars-military-catastrophe-three-years-counting/ http://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmars-crisis-the-world/us-imposes-more-sanctions-targeting-associates-of-myanmar-junta.html http://www.justiceformyanmar.org/stories http://www.hrw.org/news/2024/01/31/3-years-myanmars-coup-stronger-global-action-needed http://www.fidh.org/en/region/asia/myanmar/myanmar-20-000-political-prisoners-now-behind-bars-international http://www.acaps.org/en/countries/myanmar http://www.ohchr.org/en/statements-and-speeches/2023/09/myanmar-turk-calls-new-thinking-end-unspeakable-tragedy Visit the related web page
	A free press is not a choice, but a necessity by Reporters Without Borders, UNESCO, agencies   Aug. 2025   Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO:   "I condemn the killing of journalists Anas Al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, Moamen Aliwa, and Mohammed Al-Khaldi and call for a thorough and transparent investigation. Targeting journalists covering conflicts is unacceptable and against international humanitarian law.   With a heavy mind, I reiterate my call to respect UN Security Council Resolution 2222 unanimously adopted in 2015 on the protection of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel as civilians in situations of conflict, a status recently reaffirmed in the UN Pact for the Future".   Anas Al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh worked as journalists, while Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa worked as camera operators, all for international media outlet, Al Jazeera. Mohammed Al-Khaldi was a freelance photojournalist.   They were reportedly killed in an attack on a tent used by media personnel, at the entrance of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.   UNESCO has reported the deaths of at least 62 journalists and media workers in the line of work in Palestine since October 2023, which does not include deaths in circumstances unrelated to their profession. UNESCO provides emergency assistance to journalists in the Gaza Strip, including psychosocial assistance, access to working equipment, and capacity-building.   UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.   http://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-director-general-condemns-killing-journalists-anas-al-sharif-mohammed-qreiqeh-ibrahim-zaher http://cpj.org/mideast/israel-and-the-occupied-palestinian-territory/ http://news.un.org/en/story/2025/08/1165628 http://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/08/gaza-un-experts-appalled-murder-al-jazeera-correspondents-israeli-strike https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/08/1165719 http://www.npr.org/2025/08/25/nx-s1-5515630/israel-gaza-journalists-killed-hospital   May 2025   World Press Freedom Day 2025. (Committee to Protect Journalists)   Press freedom is no longer a given in the United States 100 days into President Donald Trump’s second term as journalists and newsrooms face mounting pressures that threaten their ability to report freely and the public’s right to know.   A new report released April 30 by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)– “Alarm bells: Trump’s first 100 days ramp up fear for the press, democracy,” noted that the administration has scaled up its rhetorical attacks and launched a startling number of actions using regulatory bodies and powerful allies that, taken together, may cause irreparable harm to press freedom in the U.S. and will likely take decades to repair.   The level of trepidation among U.S. journalists is such that CPJ has provided more security training since the November election than at any other period.   “This is a definitive moment for U.S. media and the public’s right to be informed. CPJ is providing journalists with resources at record rates so they can report safely and without fear or favor, but we need everyone to understand that protecting the First Amendment is not a choice, it’s a necessity. All our freedoms depend on it,” said CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg.   Emerging challenges to a free press in the United States fall under three main categories:   1) The restriction of access for some news organizations; 2) The increasing use of government and regulatory bodies against news organizations; and 3) Targeted attacks against journalists and newsrooms.   While The Associated Press (AP), a global newswire agency serving thousands of newsrooms in the U.S. and across the world, has faced retaliation for not adhering to state-mandated language, the Federal Communications Commission is mounting investigations against three major broadcasters – CBS, ABC, and NBC – along with the country’s two public broadcasters – NPR and PBS – in moves widely viewed as politically motivated.   “The rising tide of threats facing U.S. journalists and newsrooms are a direct threat to the American public,” said Ginsberg. “Whether at the federal or state level, the investigations, hearings, and verbal attacks amount to an environment where the media’s ability to bear witness to government action is already curtailed.”   Journalists who reached out to CPJ in recent months are worried about online harassment and digital and physical safety. Newsrooms have also shared with us worries about the possibility of punitive regulatory actions.   Since the presidential election last November until March 7 of this year, CPJ has provided safety consultations to more than 530 journalists working in the country. This figure was only 20 in all of 2022, marking an exponential increase in the need for safety information.   Globally, the gutting of the U.S. Agency for Global Media resulted in the effective termination of thousands of journalist positions, and the elimination of USAID independent media support impoverished the news landscape in many regions across the globe where the news ecosystem is underdeveloped or information is severely restricted.   As the executive branch of the U.S. government is taking unprecedented steps to permanently undermine press freedom, CPJ is calling on the public, news organizations, civil society, and all branches, levels, and institutions of government – from municipalities to the U.S. Supreme Court – to safeguard press freedom to help secure the future of American democracy.   In particular, Congress must prioritize passage of the PRESS Act and The Free Speech Protection Act, both bipartisan bills that can strengthen and protect press freedom throughout the United States.   * The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, nonprofit, and nonpartisan organization that promotes press freedom worldwide. We defend the right of journalists to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal.   http://cpj.org/special-reports/alarm-bells-trumps-first-100-days-ramp-up-fear-for-the-press-democracy/ http://cpj.org/2025/04/cpj-joins-coalition-urging-congress-to-preserve-public-broadcasting-funding/ http://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/14/media/trump-media-speech/index.html http://www.ap.org/the-definitive-source/announcements/ap-statement-on-oval-office-access/ http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-press-club-statement-on-ap-reporter-blocked-from-the-oval-office-302374145.html http://pen.org/press-release/alarm-over-fcc-letter-questioning-npr-and-pbs-over-sponsorships/ http://www.freepress.net/news/press-releases/fcc-chairman-carr-npr-pbs-investigation http://cpj.org/2024/12/trump-steps-up-actions-against-press-with-des-moines-register-lawsuit   May 2025   Global Press Freedom Index falls to Critical Low. (IPS, Reporters Without Borders)   Global press freedom across the world is at a “critical moment,” campaigners have warned, as a major index mapping the state of global press freedom hits an unprecedented low.   In the latest edition of the annual press freedom index produced by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which was published on May 2, the average score of all assessed countries fell below 55 points, falling into the category of a “difficult situation” for the first time in the index’s history.   More than six out of ten countries (112 in total) saw their overall scores decline in the index, while the conditions for practicing journalism are for the first time classified as poor in half of the world’s countries and satisfactory in fewer than one in four.   In 42 countries—harboring over half of the world’s population (56.7 percent)—the situation is “very serious,” according to the group. In these zones, press freedom is entirely absent and practicing journalism is particularly dangerous.   RSF says that while there has been a downward trend in press freedom globally for some time, the latest index scores are a distressing “new low.”   “Our index has been warning of this for the last ten years—the trajectory for press freedom has been a downward one—but this is a new low. Sixty percent of countries saw their scores [in the index] drop last year and the environment for media freedom globally has worsened. We are now at a critical moment for press freedom globally,” Fiona O’Brien, UK Bureau Director for RSF, told IPS.   Experts and campaigners have in recent years warned of growing threats to press freedom amid a rise of authoritarian regimes looking to muzzle dissent, as well as growing economic pressures affecting the ability of independent media outlets to function.   RSF’s index is compiled using measurements of five different indicators—political context, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context, and safety—to form an overall score. It says that this year the overall global index score was dragged down by the performance of the economic index.   It says that economic pressure is an often underestimated but major factor seriously weakening media in many countries. This pressure is being largely driven by ownership concentration, pressure from advertisers and financial backers, and public aid that is restricted, absent, or allocated non-transparently.   The group warns this is leaving many media trapped between preserving their editorial independence and ensuring their economic survival. “The pressure on media sustainability is as bad as it has ever been,” said O’Brien.   The effects of this economic pressure have been severe. Data collected for the index indicates that in 160 out of the 180 countries assessed (88.9 percent), media outlets achieve financial stability “with difficulty” or “not at all.” Meanwhile, news outlets are shutting down due to economic hardship in nearly a third of countries globally.   While the struggles of media economies in some countries have been exacerbated by political instability, general lack of resources, and war, media in other rich, ostensibly more stable countries are also facing significant economic pressures.   RSF points out that in the US, a majority of journalists and media experts told the group that “the average media outlet struggles for economic viability.”   Meanwhile, independent media that rely heavily or exclusively on foreign funding have come under increasing pressure.   A freeze on funding for the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which halted US international aid earlier this year plunged hundreds of news outlets in different countries around the world into economic uncertainty or forced others to close.   This was particularly acute in Ukraine, where nine out of ten outlets receive international aid and USAID is the primary donor.   “The US cuts have had a profound effect there,” Jeanne Cavalier, head of RSF’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk, told IPS. “Independent media is vital in any country that is at war. It’s a real blow to press freedom in the country,” she said.   She added, though, that the cuts to US funding were “an existential threat to press freedom in all countries with authoritarian governments under Russian influence,” highlighting that exiled media in particular provide a vital service to people living under such regimes.   The Meduza news outlet is one of the most prominent exiled Russian media organizations. While more than half of its financing comes through crowdfunding, until earlier this year a part of its funding came via US grants.   The group said that the combined impact of the cut and previous financial problems presented a significant challenge to its operations. It was forced to cut its workforce by 15 percent and salaries were reduced.   Speaking to IPS at the time, Katerina Abramova, Head of Communications at Meduza, said the moves would “influence the diversity of our content.” But speaking this week after the release of RSF’s index, she said the group had managed to continue its work but admitted, “it is even more challenging now.”   “Our main goal is to maintain the quality of our reporting and to keep delivering news inside Russia,” she said.   However, she said she was concerned for the future of other organizations like Meduza as press freedom and the economic health of independent media wane globally.   “I hope that there will not be a complete loss of independent reporting on countries where free speech has become illegal. But I know that many independent newsrooms are suffering and are on the edge of closing. When you are in exile, you are in a vulnerable position, so such newsrooms face the most difficult challenges,” she told IPS.   “I am also worried that the USAID cuts may be seen as a ‘good sign’ for many authoritarian regimes around the world. They might say, ‘look, the USA also doesn’t like journalists anymore.’ It would be like a validation of what they are doing to independent media [in their own countries],” she added.   Meanwhile, other organizations have also raised the alarm over growing threats to press freedom, even in countries regarded as among the strongest democracies in the world.   While in the RSF index the European Union (EU)-Balkans zone had the highest overall score globally, and its gap with the rest of the world continued to grow, a report released this week by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties) group highlighted how some EU governments were attacking press freedom and undermining independent media.   The report, based on the work of 43 human rights groups from 21 countries, warned that press freedom was being eroded across the bloc. It said EU media markets “feature high media ownership concentration, with these owners remaining obscured behind inadequate ownership transparency obligations, the continued erosion of public service media’s independence, ongoing threats and intimidation against journalists, and restrictions on freedom of expression and access to information.”   “The findings of this report should put EU officials on high alert: media freedom and pluralism are under attack across the EU, and in some cases they are in an existential battle against overtly undemocratic governments,” according to the group.   Liberties also warned that “EU legislation to bolster media freedom is being greeted with hostility, making enforcement efforts in 2025 and beyond decisive in protecting the free and plural media that European democracy depends on.”   However, it is this legislation, including the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), which is designed to guarantee the protection of journalists and sources, independence of regulatory bodies and full ownership transparency, and the Anti-SLAPP Directive (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) to protect journalists and human rights advocates from abusive legal proceedings, that experts see as providing hope that some of the threats to media freedom can be dealt with.   “At the individual country level within the EU, there are some problems. Where there has been a recent change in government away from authoritarianism, there has been some positive progress, e.g., in Poland. But in other countries, like Slovakia, we are seeing the reverse,” Eva Simon, Senior Advocacy Officer at Liberties, told IPS.   “But at the EU level, we see positive prospects for media freedom in new legislation. The EU Media Act is coming into force soon and the anti-SLAPP directive will come into effect next year.   “The EU has the power to intervene in countries where there are persistent problems and we have high hopes that the EU will use its powers to enforce the European Media Freedom Act. The EU has more tools than ever at its disposal to ensure media freedom in member states,” she added.   On April 30, the Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ) issued a damning report on how, since the start of US President Donald Trump’s second term in January, press freedom has come under attack.   The report warned that press freedom is no longer a given in the United States as journalists and newsrooms face mounting pressures that threaten both their ability to report freely and the public’s right to know.   It said the executive branch of the government was taking “unprecedented steps to permanently undermine press freedom” through restricting access for some news organizations, increasingly using government and regulatory bodies against media, and launching targeted attacks on journalists and newsrooms.   In a statement, CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg said, “This is a definitive moment for U.S. media and the public’s right to be informed. Whether at the federal or state level, the investigations, hearings, and verbal attacks amount to an environment where the media’s ability to bear witness to government action is already curtailed.”   The current threats to press freedom in the US are among the most worrying anywhere, many media experts say.   “There is a head-on attack on media freedom in the US. If you look at the scores for the US [in the index], the social indicator has dropped hugely, which shows that within the US the press is operating in a hostile environment. The economic situation there has deteriorated too, which makes things difficult for them,” said O’Brien.   “But also, a lot of people look to America as a bastion of press freedom, with its constitution’s First Amendment, and what is happening there to independent media is an absolute gift to authoritarian rulers around the world. If the rest of the world just sits back and watches this and lets press freedom be restricted and attacked and does nothing, other regimes will look and just think, ‘oh, it’s OK to do this.”   “World leaders have to now stand up for press freedom. Independent journalism is fundamental to democratic societies,” she added.   http://rsf.org/en/rsf-world-press-freedom-index-2025-economic-fragility-leading-threat-press-freedom http://www.ipsnews.net/2025/05/world-press-freedom-day-2025-global-press-freedom-index-falls-to-critical-low/ http://www.dw.com/en/us-press-freedom-no-longer-a-matter-of-course-under-trump/video-72410681 http://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/category/press-releases/article/south-asia-ifj-launches-23rd-annual-south-asia-press-freedom-report http://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news http://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2025/05/life-peril-unearth-truth http://soundcloud.com/unradio/our-press-vests-are-turning-us-into-targets-warns-lebanese-war-reporter http://unama.unmissions.org/world-press-freedom-day-un-afghanistan-urges-protection-media-freedoms http://www.unesco.org/en/days/press-freedom http://www.unesco.org/en/communication-information http://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2025/05/what-is-the-state-of-global-press-freedom-in-2025/ http://www.icij.org/news/2025/02/foreign-aid-freeze-decimates-investigative-news-outlets-internationally http://www.mediadefence.org/news/the-growing-threat-of-lawfare-defending-journalists-and-independent-media/ http://www.accessnow.org/world-press-freedom-day-2025/ http://www.accessnow.org/u-s-funding-cuts/ http://www.accessnow.org/internet-shutdowns-2024/   Dec. 2024   Interview with Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights:   What global trends currently pose the greatest threat to freedom of expression?   The greatest threat today is the backsliding of democracies. Authoritarian states have long maintained a totalitarian stance, systematically suppressing and censoring dissent. However, what is particularly alarming now is that even well-established democracies are beginning to curtail the space for free expression.   This is evident in the adoption of restrictive policies targeting media freedom and an increase in attacks on journalists. Such trends are deeply concerning, as media freedom is both a cornerstone of democracy and a fundamental human right.   What is your view on the debate on freedom of speech in Western democracies?   In Western democracies, and democracies in general, we are increasingly observing a polarisation of viewpoints, which creates an atmosphere of fear for those expressing opinions that deviate from the majority perspective.   While legal censorship may not always be present, social ostracism and informal pressure often lead individuals to self-censor. This, in effect, narrows the space for free speech.   Moreover, there are subtle but significant ways to suppress media freedom without physically attacking journalists. Some democratic states are adopting policies that edge towards a restrictive, less diverse media space. Hungary serves as a notable example: while the media is technically free, its ownership is largely monopolised by the ruling party.   Independent journalism exists primarily online, and outside urban centres like Budapest, people’s access to diverse and critical information is severely restricted. This is particularly concerning given Hungary’s status as a member of the European Union.   Social media platforms have enabled greater expression, but also facilitated disinformation. How should the international community navigate this tension?   When social media first emerged, it was seen as a tool for democratising speech, enabling individuals to share their views without needing access to large media outlets. Over time, however, it has also facilitated disinformation, misinformation, hate speech and various forms of information manipulation.   Under international law, information can only be restricted if it threatens the rights and reputation of others or national security, public order or health. It must be prohibited if it amounts to hate speech.   But falsehood by itself is not a sufficient reason to prohibit speech. That is because the line between truth and falsehood is often subjective and so open to abuse. This makes it challenging to define disinformation.   Governments frequently misuse the label of disinformation to suppress criticism against themselves. This erodes public trust in the government. Censoring false or manipulated information does not necessarily change the beliefs of those who spread or consume it. Instead, such actions can push conspiracy theories underground, making them harder to counter.   A more effective strategy against disinformation involves fact-checking and fostering reliable, diverse sources of information. Governments must also stop spreading falsehoods themselves and instead proactively provide accurate information.   Promoting media literacy is essential to enable the public to distinguish between credible sources and manipulated narratives. This shifts the focus from censorship to building trust in information ecosystems.   Harmful information and disinformation are really loose terms. Who checks the fact-checkers, and who should decide what is disinformation?   The key is not to focus on categorising or labelling specific content as disinformation, but rather to build a healthy information ecosystem. This means fostering diverse viewpoints, ensuring the presence of free and professional media and supporting a variety of independent outlets. Fact-checking should emerge organically from the availability of differing perspectives, not as a reaction to labelling one viewpoint as wrong.   Having multiple viewpoints allows people, provided they have the necessary media literacy, to identify trusted sources and distinguish credible information from unreliable claims. The ultimate goal should be to build public trust in the information landscape rather than to engage in a reactive fight against disinformation.   You monitor diverse situations around the world. Which regions are currently of greatest concern when it comes to restrictions on freedom of expression?   Almost every region faces challenges regarding freedom of expression. In authoritarian states like China, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela and Iran, there is no independent media at all. However, the issue is not confined to these regimes.   As mentioned before, even within the EU, Hungary exemplifies how disinformation and media control can erode press freedom. Even democratic countries such as Singapore and India are increasingly restricting independent public interest journalism.   This is a global problem with far-reaching implications. It undermines democracy, erodes public trust in information, stifles innovation and hampers development. Without urgent attention, these trends pose a significant threat to the global information ecosystem and democratic values.   Attacks on journalists have been rising globally. What concrete steps can states and civil society take to ensure the safety of media professionals?   The primary responsibility of states is to protect journalists, not treat them as adversaries. Journalists are truth-seekers, and their safety is crucial for democracy. Yet, impunity for crimes against journalist remains a major issue: UNESCO reports that nearly nine out of 10 cases of journalist killings go uninvestigated. This sends a dangerous signal: silencing a journalist can be done with little consequence.   Legal harassment is also on the rise, with counterterrorism laws misused to target journalists and others in the media sector, as seen in China with the National Security Law in Hong Kong and the case of Jimmy Lai. Strategic lawsuits are another tactic, where defamation suits are filed not to win but to silence journalists through financial and psychological pressure.   Digital threats are growing, too. Online gender-based violence and smear campaigns, particularly against women journalists, are pervasive. Additionally, the lack of media diversity exacerbates these challenges.   In many countries, media monopolies dominate, undermining plurality. Financial instability in the traditional media sector, worsened by declining ad revenues due to social media, further threatens press freedom.   To improve journalists’ safety, states must end impunity, stop legal harassment and create a supportive media environment with diverse ownership. Civil society must advocate for accountability, fact-based reporting and better protection mechanisms for journalists, both online and offline.   You recently raised awareness for journalists in Gaza and Lebanon. How bad is the situation there?   Gaza stands out as the deadliest conflict for media workers and journalists in over 30 years of UN-recorded history with the highest numbers of casualties. Many journalists have been killed by the sheer intensity of the war, and there have also been targeted killings. Under international humanitarian law, journalists are civilians and are entitled to protection. Deliberately killing a journalist constitutes a war crime. Yet, journalists have been deliberately killed in Gaza. This problem won’t end until impunity is tackled and those responsible for the killings are held accountable. In most cases, this means holding Israel to account.   Israel’s treatment of journalists in Gaza, the West Bank and even within its own borders reflects a disturbing pattern of seeking to silence reporting on war crimes. Measures such as killing and detaining journalists, banning Al Jazeera, refusing international journalists to access Gaza and placing pressure on independent Israeli media like Haaretz have increasingly obstructed critical reporting and restricted the media space. This is deeply concerning. As Israel has failed to investigate the killing of journalists in the occupied Palestinian territory, an independent international investigation should be initiated.   Journalists play an indispensable role in conflict zones. Without their reporting, the world would lack critical insight into the realities on the ground. Peace efforts in Gaza cannot progress without accurate information about the situation. Journalists are not only civilians under international law; they are, in many ways, akin to essential workers.   Like ambulance drivers, they move towards the danger rather than away from it. For this reason, they require protection not just equal to civilians, but even greater safeguards to ensure that their vital role in informing the world is upheld.   Do you also see any positive developments with regard to the freedom of expression worldwide?   Yes, there are positive developments. For instance, the reason I am here in Berlin – the Human Rights Award ceremony for PCIN, a journalist network from Nicaragua – provides a clear example. Although independent media in Nicaragua has been almost completely obliterated by the Ortega regime, journalists have shown remarkable solidarity by creating a network to support their colleagues in exile. This demonstrates that even in the harshest conditions, people find ways to strengthen freedom of expression.   Freedom of expression is not just about media freedom; it is a fundamental right that enables many other rights. It includes the right to information, which is essential for education, scientific progress, innovation, democracy and even peacebuilding.   At the grassroots level, freedom of expression has empowered marginalised groups, including women and indigenous people. While disinformation on social media platforms has negative impacts, digital tools have also brought people in remote areas together, enabling them to organise and drive meaningful change through protest, social and youth movements. These forms of activism are critical for building a better world and would not be possible without freedom of expression.   Yes, there are barriers and negative trends, driven by forces trying to restrict the space for free speech. However, resistance is strong. People continue to fight back, and that resilience is a powerful reason for hope.   http://www.ips-journal.eu/interviews/gaza-is-the-deadliest-conflict-for-media-workers-in-over-30-years-7981/ http://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-freedom-of-opinion-and-expression http://www.techpolicy.press/who-wins-from-the-igf-not-those-locked-up-for-speaking-out/ http://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/12/nicaragua-enforced-disappearances-and-arbitrary-detentions-still-used   May 2024   "Without press freedom, we won't have any freedom. A free press is not a choice, but a necessity" - Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General   "The world is going through an unprecedented environmental emergency which poses an existential threat to this and future generations. People need to know about this – and journalists and media workers have a key role in informing and educating them.   Local, national and global media outlets can highlight stories about the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and environmental injustice.   Through their work, people come to understand the plight of our planet, and are mobilized and empowered to take action for change.   Media workers also document environmental degradation. And they provide evidence of environmental vandalism that helps to hold those responsible to account.   It is no surprise that some powerful people, companies and institutions will stop at nothing to prevent environmental journalists from doing their jobs.   Media freedom is under siege. And environmental journalism is an increasingly dangerous profession. Dozens of journalists covering illegal mining, logging, poaching and other environmental issues have been killed in recent decades. In the vast majority of cases, no one has been held to account.   UNESCO reports that in the past fifteen years, there have been some 750 attacks on journalists and news outlets reporting on environmental issues. And the frequency of such attacks is rising.   Legal processes are also misused to censor, silence, detain and harass environmental reporters, while a new era of climate disinformation focuses on undermining proven solutions, including renewable energy.   But environmental journalists are not the only ones at risk. Around the world, media workers are risking their lives trying to bring us news on everything from war to democracy. I am shocked and appalled by the high number of journalists killed in Israeli military operations in Gaza.   The United Nations recognizes the invaluable work of journalists and media professionals to ensure that the public is informed and engaged.   Without facts, we cannot fight mis- and disinformation. Without accountability, we will not have strong policies in place. Without press freedom, we won't have any freedom. A free press is not a choice, but a necessity.   Our World Press Freedom Day is very important. And so, I call on governments, the private sector and civil society to join us in reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding press freedom and the rights of journalists and media professionals around the world".   Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO:   "The planet is on the brink of a climatic precipice: 2023 was the hottest year on record, with an average global surface temperature 1.45°C higher than in the pre-industrial era. Other alarming records were also broken for ocean surface temperatures, sea level rise and glacier retreat. As humanity faces up to this existential peril, we must remember, on this World Press Freedom Day, that the climate challenge is also a journalistic and informational challenge. No effective climate action is possible without access to free and reliable scientific information.   That is why this year’s theme highlights the essentiallink between protecting freedom of expression – a global public good – and preserving our planet. But this World Day is also a call to action to protect journalism and free, pluralistic information.   A call to make the major social networks more accountable, so that they can step up their moderation and regulation measures to counter disinformation and conspiracy around climate change, in line with the Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms published by UNESCO in November 2023.   A call to equip all citizens with the critical thinking skills needed to confront disinformation. A call, also, to protect journalists and media professionals, artists and scientists, who are all too often the victims of harassment, violence and censorship. A UNESCO study published this month shows that 70% of environmental reporters have been the victims of attacks, threats or pressure because of their work, and 44 environmental journalists have been killed in the last 15 years.   Access to reliable information is all the more vital in this “super-election year”, when some 2.6 billion citizens are called to the polls. How can voters remain masters of their own destiny if their choices are distorted by false information and polarized by hate speech?   UNESCO remains firmly committed to defending freedom of expression as a fundamental human right and a pillar of democracy. UNESCO would like to relay a simple message: protecting free and pluralistic information also means protecting our democracies and our planet".   http://www.un.org/en/observances/press-freedom-day http://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-report-reveals-70-environmental-journalists-have-been-attacked-their-work http://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000389501 http://www.unesco.org/en/days/press-freedom http://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2024/05/freedom-expression-and-media-crucial-tackling-climate-crisis-international http://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2024/05/podcast-world-press-freedom-day http://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-freedom-of-opinion-and-expression/annual-thematic-reports http://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/interview/2024/05/access-to-information-is-the-basis-of-democracy http://www.kofiannanfoundation.org/news/2024-kofi-annan-lecture-delivered-by-maria-ressa/   http://www.un.org/en/observances/end-impunity-crimes-against-journalists http://cpj.org/thematic-reports/in-record-year-china-israel-and-myanmar-are-worlds-leading-jailers-of-journalists/ http://cpj.org/thematic-reports/haiti-israel-most-likely-to-let-journalists-murders-go-unpunished-cpj-2024-impunity-index-shows/ http://cpj.org/features-and-analysis/ http://cpj.org/news/ http://rsf.org/en/voices-heard-repressed-rsf-s-new-report-journalism-metoo-era-calls-increased-support-journalists http://rsf.org/en http://minorityrights.org/emmap-reporting-for-peace/   http://coveringclimatenow.org/from-us-story/the-dangers-of-telling-the-truth/ http://www.globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/environmental-activists/numbers-lethal-attacks-against-defenders-2012/ http://www.globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/environmental-activists/ http://wmo.int/news/media-centre/climate-change-indicators-reached-record-levels-2023-wmo http://wmo.int/media/news/wmo-confirms-2023-smashes-global-temperature-record http://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-analysis-confirms-2023-as-warmest-year-on-record/ http://climate.copernicus.eu/weve-lost-19-years-battle-against-global-warming-paris-agreement   http://insideclimatenews.org/news/23042024/the-people-vs-citi-fossil-fuel-financing/ http://climateintegrity.org/news/doj-has-enough-evidence-to-sue-big-oil-for-climate-lies-expert-tells-congress http://climateintegrity.org/lie-brary http://fra.europa.eu/en/news/2024/combatting-greenwashing-protecting-consumers http://www.desmog.com/ http://influencemap.org/briefing/The-Carbon-Majors-Database-26913 http://carbonmajors.org/Use-Cases http://climateaccountability.org/news-updates/ http://climateanalytics.org/publications/carbon-majors-trillion-dollar-damages http://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(23)00198-7 http://counterhate.com/topic/climate-change-misinformation/   May 2024   2024 World Press Freedom Index. (Reporters Without Borders)   Press freedom around the world is being threatened by the very people who should be its guarantors – political authorities. This is clear from the latest annual World Press Freedom Index produced by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).   This finding is based on the fact that, of the five indicators used to compile the ranking, it is the political indicator that has fallen most, registering a global average fall of 7.6 points.   Governments fail to protect journalism   A growing number of governments and political authorities are not fulfilling their role as guarantors of the best possible environment for journalism and for the public's right to reliable, independent, and diverse news and information. RSF sees a worrying decline in support and respect for media autonomy and an increase in pressure from the state or other political actors.   As more than half the world's population goes to the polls in 2024, RSF is warning of a worrying trend revealed by the 2024 World Press Freedom Index: a decline in the political indicator, one of five indicators detailed in the Index.   "States and other political forces are playing a decreasing role in protecting press freedom. This disempowerment sometimes goes hand in hand with more hostile actions that undermine the role of journalists, or even instrumentalise the media through campaigns of harassment or disinformation". - Anne Bocande, RSF editorial director   At the international level, this year is notable for a clear lack of political will on the part of the international community to enforce the principles of protection of journalists, especially UN Security Council Resolution 2222. The war in Gaza has been marked by a record number of violations against journalists and the media since October 2023. More than 100 Palestinian reporters have been killed by the Israel Defence Forces, including at least 22 in the course of their work.   Occupied and under constant Israeli bombardment, Palestine is ranked 157th out of 180 countries and territories surveyed in the overall 2024 World Press Freedom Index, but it is ranked among the last 10 with regard to security for journalists (see the 2024 World Press Freedom Index security ranking).   Journalism vs disinformation in a super election year   While 2024 is the biggest election year in world history, 2023 also saw decisive elections, especially in Latin America, that were won by self-proclaimed predators of press freedom and media plurality, like Javier Milei in Argentina (down 26 to 66th), who shut down the country’s biggest news agency in a worrisome symbolic act.   Elections are often accompanied by violence against journalists, as in Nigeria (112th) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (123rd). The military juntas that seized power in coups in the Sahel, especially Niger (down 19 to 80th), Burkina Faso (down 28 to 86th) and Mali (down one to 114th), continue to tighten their grip on the media and obstruct journalists’ work. Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s reelection in Türkiye is also a source of some concern: ranked 158th, the country’s placement in the Index continues to lose points in the Index.   In the absence of regulation, the use of generative AI in the arsenal of disinformation for political purposes is a concern. Deepfakes now occupy a leading position in influencing the course of elections.   This was evidenced by the audio deepfake of the journalist Monika Todova during the parliamentary elections in Slovakia (down 12 to 29th), one of the first documented cases of this type of attack on a journalist with the aim of influencing the outcome of a democratic election.   Many governments have stepped up their control over social media and the Internet, restricting access, blocking accounts, and suppressing messages carrying news and information. Journalists who say what they think on social media in Vietnam (174th) are almost systematically locked up.   In China (172nd), in addition to detaining more journalists than any other country in the world, the government continues to exercise strict control over information channels, implementing censorship and surveillance policies to regulate online content and restrict the spread of information deemed to be sensitive or contrary to the party line.   Some political groups fuel hatred and distrust of journalists by insulting them, discrediting them, and threatening them. Others are orchestrating a takeover of the media ecosystem, whether through state-owned media under their control, or privately owned media via acquisitions by allied businessmen.   Giorgia Meloni’s Italy (46th) – where a member of the ruling parliamentary coalition is trying to acquire the second biggest news agency (AGI) – has fallen five places this year.   Political groups often serve as channels of dissemination, or even instigators of disinformation campaigns. In more than three quarters of the countries evaluated in the Index (138 countries), the majority of the questionnaire respondents reported that political actors in their countries were often involved in propaganda or disinformation campaigns. This involvement was described as “systematic” in 31 countries.   In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, media censorship has intensified in a spectacular mimicry of Russian repressive methods, especially in Belarus (down 10 to 167th), Georgia (103rd), Kyrgyzstan (120th), and Azerbaijan (down 13 to 164th). Kremlin influence has reached as far as Serbia (down seven to 98th), where pro-government media carry Russian propaganda and the authorities threaten exiled Russian journalists. Russia (162nd), where Vladimir Putin was unsurprisingly reelected in 2024, continues to wage a war in Ukraine (61st) that has had a big impact on the media ecosystem and journalists’ safety.   The best and the worst   The overall decline in the political indicator has also affected the trio at the top of the World Press Freedom Index. Norway, still in first place, has seen a fall in its political score, and Ireland (8th), where politicians have subjected media outlets to judicial intimidation, has ceded its leading position in the European Union to Denmark (2nd), followed by Sweden (3rd).   The three Asian countries at the bottom of last year’s Index – Vietnam, China and North Korea – have ceded their positions to three countries whose political scores have plummeted: Afghanistan (down 44 in the political ranking), which has persecuted journalists incessantly since the Taliban returned to power; Syria (down eight in the political ranking); and Eritrea (down nine in the political ranking), which is now last in both the political and overall rankings. The last two countries have become lawless zones for the media, with a record number of journalists detained, missing or held hostage.   The Index by regions   The Maghreb - Middle East region is the one with the worst situation in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index. It is followed by the Asia-Pacific region, where journalism is suffocating under the weight of authoritarian governments. Africa, although less than 10% of the region is in a “very serious” situation, almost half of the countries are in a “difficult” situation.   The countries where press freedom is “good” are all in Europe, and more specifically within the European Union, which has adopted its first media freedom law (EMFA). Ireland has dropped out of the Index’s top three countries, replaced by Sweden, while Germany is now one of the top ten countries. Press freedom is nonetheless being put to the test in Hungary, Malta and Greece, the three lowest-ranked EU countries.   Further east in Europe, the conditions for practising journalism are deteriorating due to the scale of disinformation and censorship of media outlets falsely accused of undermining national security or terrorism. This is the case in Russia (162nd), Belarus (167th) and Turkmenistan (175th), while in Georgia (down 26 to 103rd), the ruling party is cultivating a rapprochement with Moscow. As a result of improvements in its security indicator – fewer journalists killed – and its political indicator, Ukraine (61st) has moved up 18 places.   In the Americas, the inability of journalists to cover subjects related to organised crime, corruption or the environment for fear of reprisals poses a major problem. The percentage of countries whose situation is classified as “satisfactory” (yellow) has drastically dropped from 36% in 2023 to 21% in 2024. One of the world’s biggest economic powers, the United States, has fallen ten places.   In almost all of the countries in South America, the press freedom situation is now “problematic” – a deterioration due in part to the election of press freedom predators such as Javier Milei and governments’ inability to reduce violence against journalists. Mexico continues to be the most dangerous country for journalists, with 37 killed since 2019.   Sub-Saharan Africa was very affected by political violence during major elections in 2023. More than 8% of African countries are now coloured red on the chart, twice as many as in 2023. Nigeria, Togo and Madagascar have been hit by waves of repression of reporters. The region is marked by the decline in security in several Sahel countries – Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.   In the Asia-Pacific region – the world’s second most difficult region for practising journalism – five countries are among the world’s ten most dangerous countries for media personnel: Myanmar (171st), China (172nd), North Korea (177th), Vietnam (174th) and Afghanistan (178th). But, unlike last year, none of the region’s countries is in the Index’s top 15.   In the Middle East and North Africa, the situation is “very serious” in nearly half of the countries. The United Arab Emirates joins the eight other countries in the red zone on the map: Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Palestine, Iraq, Bahrain, Syria and Egypt. Palestine, occupied and under bombardment by the Israeli army, and the deadliest country for journalists, is also at the bottom of the Index. Qatar is now the region’s only country where the situation is not classified either as “difficult” or “very serious.”   In all regions of the world, upcoming elections portend very strong pressure on journalists.   http://rsf.org/en/2024-world-press-freedom-index-journalism-under-political-pressure http://rsf.org/en/russia-s-blocks-rsf-site-ahead-world-press-freedom-index-release-mirror-site-still-accessible http://rsf.org/en/region/asia-pacific http://rsf.org/en/press-freedom-not-fully-protected-hong-kong-rsf-debunks-china-s-claims-10-points http://cpj.org/2024/05/cpj-11-organizations-sign-santiago-30-declaration-ahead-of-world-press-freedom-day/ http://cpj.org/features-and-analysis/ http://www.ips-journal.eu/topics/democracy-and-society/our-freedoms-depend-on-press-freedom-7486/ http://latamjournalismreview.org/articles/report-highlights-connection-between-violence-against-press-and-destruction-of-the-amazon/ http://latamjournalismreview.org/news-monitor/   http://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/category/press-releases/article/south-asia-ifj-launches-22nd-annual-south-asia-press-freedom-report http://www.ifj.org/ http://rsf.org/en/sahel-rsf-and-over-500-community-radio-stations-call-protection-local-journalism http://www.liberties.eu/en/stories/media-freedom-report-2024-blog/45029 http://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/05/media-freedom-under-threat/ http://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2024/world-service-presents-journalists-in-exile http://www.article19.org/issue/media-freedom/ http://www.mediamatters.org/ http://www.icij.org/ http://iwpr.net/global-voices/spotlight/wpfd-2024 http://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/05/russia-un-human-rights-chief-troubled-increasing-crackdown-journalists http://www.ipsnews.net/2024/05/press-freedom-climate-journalism-united-crisis/ http://www.theguardian.com/media/series/world-press-freedom-day-2024   http://www.journalistsfreedom.com/gaza-is-the-worst-of-it-but-across-the-world-journalism-is-under-unprecedented-assault/ http://corporate.dw.com/en/open-letter-call-for-media-access-to-gaza/a-70229638 http://www.ibanet.org/The-ongoing-risks-to-journalists-and-media-freedom-a-salient-reminder-on-World-Press-Freedom-Day-2024 http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jun/17/sweden-far-right-media-nordic-model http://www.article19.org/resources/europe-rule-of-law-report-shows-the-need-to-enforce-stronger-safeguards/ http://www.euronews.com/next/2024/06/17/ai-presents-maximum-risk-for-news-companies-as-trust-in-the-global-media-dips-study-finds Visit the related web page
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