New York, May 1, 2026 — The United Nations has raised fresh concerns over rising attacks on journalists, warning that press freedom is under serious threat globally.
UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, said no country is truly safe for journalists, as killings, arrests, and intimidation continue to rise.
Ahead of World Press Freedom Day, the UN revealed that about 330 media workers are currently detained worldwide, alongside hundreds of citizen journalists and bloggers.
Türk warned that laws on defamation, cybercrime, and disinformation are increasingly being used to silence critical voices, while violence—from abductions to killings—remains widespread, especially in conflict zones.
He highlighted the war in Gaza as particularly deadly, with nearly 300 journalists reportedly killed since 2023, describing journalism today as a “dangerous profession.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed the concern, noting a surge in targeted killings and growing pressure from surveillance, online abuse, and economic challenges.
The UN is now urging governments and tech companies to step up protections, ensure accountability, and safeguard press freedom before it erodes further.
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