By Our Correspondent

National News – The United Nations has raised alarm over increasing attacks on journalists worldwide, warning that press freedom is under serious threat.

The warning was issued by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, ahead of World Press Freedom Day observed annually on May 3.

He revealed that about 330 journalists are currently detained globally, alongside nearly 500 citizen journalists and bloggers, highlighting a worsening climate for media professionals.

Türk explained that journalists face violence, harassment, and legal intimidation in many countries, with laws on defamation, cybercrime, and terrorism often used to silence critical reporting.

According to him, no nation can currently guarantee complete safety for journalists, as attacks continue to rise across regions.

The UN official further disclosed that at least 14 journalists have been killed since January 2026, while only a fraction of such cases over the past two decades have resulted in justice.

He emphasized that conflict zones remain the most dangerous environments, citing the ongoing war in Gaza as particularly deadly, where nearly 300 journalists have reportedly been killed since October 2023.

In addition, Türk noted that journalists covering crises in countries like Sudan face extreme risks, including violence, displacement, and famine.

He also pointed to growing transnational repression, where media workers are targeted even outside their home countries, alongside increased surveillance and digital threats.

The UN chief also highlighted the rise in online harassment, especially against female journalists, many of whom face threats, smear campaigns, and abuse.

He warned that such hostility could weaken truth-telling and promote disinformation if left unchecked.

Similarly, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that journalists are often deliberately targeted, particularly in war zones, where reporting the truth comes at great personal risk.

He urged governments to protect media workers, investigate attacks, and ensure accountability.

The UN called on authorities and tech companies to act swiftly to safeguard press freedom, maintain transparency, and uphold democratic values globally.