World Press Freedom Day 2023

The World Press Freedom Index is an evaluation of the environment for journalism in 180 countries and territories compiled by the international NGO Reporters without Borders (RSF). Seychelles placed 34th this year. The Index recognised  "The environment tends to favour the practice of journalism" and that the country is rare in Africa with the majority of journalists being women.

The report also shined the light on the global challenge of disinformation campaigns bolstered by artificial intelligence technology weakening journalism and undermining the right to information. 

On this World Press Freedom Day, the UN in Seychelles shares the message from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. 

******START******

For three decades, on World Press Freedom Day, the international community has celebrated the work of journalists and media workers.

This day highlights a basic truth: all our freedom depends on press freedom.

Freedom of the press is the foundation of democracy and justice. It gives all of us the facts we need to shape opinions and speak truth to power. And as this year’s theme reminds us, press freedom represents the very lifeblood of human rights.

But in every corner of the world, freedom of the press is under attack. 

Truth is threatened by disinformation and hate speech seeking to blur the lines between fact and fiction, between science and conspiracy.  

The increased concentration of the media industry into the hands of a few, the financial collapse of scores of independent news organizations, and an increase of national laws and regulations that stifle journalists are further expanding censorship and threatening freedom of expression.    

Meanwhile, journalists and media workers are directly targeted on and offline as they carry out their vital work. They are routinely harassed, intimidated, detained and imprisoned.  

At least 67 media workers were killed in 2022 — an unbelievable 50 per cent increase over the previous year. Nearly three quarters of women journalists have experienced violence online, and one in four have been threatened physically.

Ten years ago, the United Nations established a Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists to protect media workers and end impunity for crimes committed against them. 

On this and every World Press Freedom Day, the world must speak with one voice.

Stop the threats and attacks.

Stop detaining and imprisoning journalists for doing their jobs.

Stop the lies and disinformation.

Stop targeting truth and truth-tellers.  

As journalists stand up for truth, the world stands with them.

****** END *****

For more information: https://www.unesco.org/en/days/press-freedom

and 2023 World Press Freedom Index – journalism threatened by fake content industry | RSF