UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has released a video message emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression and the role of journalists in society, saying: “When journalists cannot work, we all suffer.”
Noting that freedom of expression is a vital foundation of democracy and human rights, Guterres added: “Journalists must be able to carry out their work of reporting without fear. Silencing journalists means silencing the voices of the people.”
The UN Secretary-General’s remarks come as Reporters Without Borders has expressed concern in its latest report about the dire situation of the media in the world, especially in crisis-hit countries such as Afghanistan. The organization has announced that journalists face serious economic, security and even life-threatening threats.
