The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the increasing attacks on journalists across the world, warning that threats against media professionals pose a serious danger to press freedom, democracy, and global development.

In a message marking World Press Freedom Day, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said journalists are facing growing hostility, intimidation, and violence simply for carrying out their duty of informing the public.

According to UN reports, about 330 media workers are currently detained globally, alongside nearly 500 citizen journalists and human rights bloggers. The organisation also noted that laws on defamation, cybercrime, disinformation, and terrorism are increasingly being weaponised to shield the powerful and silence critical voices.

Türk warned that attacks on the media are becoming alarmingly normalised, stressing that when press freedom is undermined, the pillars of peace, security, and sustainable development are also weakened.

He paid tribute to courageous journalists around the world who continue to expose corruption, document atrocities, and hold institutions accountable despite mounting risks. However, he lamented that journalism has become an increasingly dangerous profession, with media workers being targeted through killings, abductions, imprisonment, and job losses.

The UN disclosed that at least 14 journalists have been killed since January, while accountability for attacks on media workers remains disturbingly low.

Türk also highlighted the dangers faced by journalists covering conflict zones, particularly in Gaza, where nearly 300 journalists have reportedly been killed since October 2023, making the war one of the deadliest conflicts for media workers in recent history.

He further raised concerns about transnational repression, surveillance, and widespread online harassment, especially against women journalists, many of whom face smear campaigns, threats, and gender-based abuse.

Also speaking, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said journalists are often among the first victims in times of conflict and political repression, noting that truth itself suffers when those who report facts are silenced.

The UN called on governments worldwide to take urgent action to protect journalists, investigate attacks against them, ensure accountability for violations, and uphold the independence and integrity of the media.