Press Freedom is under attack, join our fight!
Journalists are currently facing unprecedented challenges worldwide. Armed conflicts, authoritarian regimes and the fast rise of disinformation form a deadly cocktail that puts extreme pressure on press freedom worldwide. When journalists are silenced, our access to reliable information and our ability to hold those in power accountable for their actions disappears: this is a very dangerous development, as a free press is one of the fundamental building blocks of democracy. Only with access to reliable information can people establish informed opinions and make informed decisions. Therefore we ask everyone to reflect on the need for a free press on the 3rd of May, World Press Freedom Day, and during the time leading up to it.
War zones, such as Sudan, Ukraine and the Democratic Republic of Congo, pose extreme risks to journalists, who report at the risk of their own lives. The situation in Gaza and the West Bank is dire. Israel constantly violates international law, even under global scrutiny. While during conflicts, journalists should be considered citizens who provide the public with essential needs for reliable and timely information. The unprecedented and targeted violence against journalists made 2024 the deadliest year for journalists ever documented. Free Press Unlimited (FPU) is deeply concerned: these amounts of violence and attacks make independent reporting in these areas almost impossible, resulting in increasingly losing track of what is really happening.
FPU sees a global trend where journalists are portrayed as untrustworthy, or even enemies of the people, by politicians and other people in power. Also in the Netherlands, political attitudes against journalists are hardening and the independence and integrity of media is increasingly questioned. Journalists increasingly face physical violence, online intimidation and legal attacks. These threats have risen sharply and pose a serious threat to both the safety of journalists and independent journalism.
At the same time, international decisions undermine the survival of independent media: the freezing of US development aid under the Trump administration has disastrous consequences for media and journalists who often receive external support for their safety. For media outlets in conflict zones, operating from exile or under great pressure from an autocratic regime, foreign funds are vital for financial survival. Independent media in conflict zones are particularly vulnerable and the freezing of funding means a crisis on top of a crisis for them.
The rise of disinformation, often in the form of coordinated campaigns and incited by governments and those in power, further complicates the situation. Fake news is used as a weapon all over the world to undermine independent and often critical media. The result? Essential and life-saving information during crises is not available to the people who need it; such as where to shelter from air strikes and where humanitarian aid is available. Fake news can exacerbate social tensions, manipulate public debate and even incite violence. Facts must take precedence over falsehoods and half-truths. Journalistic media hold the best cards to provide this independent and reliable information. This makes the safety of journalists more vital now than ever.
Join the fight for a free press
Yet there is also reason for hope. Around the world, courageous and resilient journalists and media workers continue to fight for our access to reliable information, transparency and justice. Fortunately, they are not alone. Organisations such as Free Press Unlimited support them in their fight, with safety training, legal support and protective equipment. But also at the policy level, where Free Press Unlimited lobbies for better legislation around the safety of journalists. Only together can we keep the free press alive. On World Press Freedom Day we call upon you: Support the free press, fight with us and stay informed about our work!
