World Press Freedom Day honours journalists killed in conflict

Today is World Press Freedom Day, which recognises the work of journalists in dangerous environments

This year’s event is shining a light on journalists who have been killed in war zones, with the conflict in Ukraine taking centre stage.

It is believed up to seven journalists have been killed in the Ukrainian conflict since the war broke out.

The President of the Committee to Protect Journalists, Jodie Ginsberg says violence against journalists is not only happening in authoritarian regimes.

“They’re happening right here in the United States, in the UK, in Europe.”

Pope Francis also acknowledged the day in Sunday prayers, where he spoke about “those who courageously inform us of the wounds of humanity”.

UNESCO says 55 journalists and media workers were killed in 2021. Meanwhile, the U.N. is calling for greater protections for people seeking to report the truth.

“The threats to journalists and media workers are growing by the day. From global health to the climate crisis, corruption and human rights, they face increased politicisation of their work and attempts to silence them from any sides,” says U.N. Secretary General António Guterres.