UN Demands Improved Safety Measures For Environmental Journalists

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on 3rd May, UN Secretary-General António Guterres shed light on the escalating dangers journalists face, particularly those reporting on environmental issues. The Secretary-General emphasized the crucial role of journalists in educating the public about the pressing environmental and climate crisis threatening future generations. He pointed out that informed citizens are better equipped to advocate for necessary changes.

However, a concerning trend has been highlighted in recent reports by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), revealing that environmental journalists are increasingly becoming targets of violence and even death. According to Guterres, these attacks have been perpetrated against those covering illegal activities such as mining, logging, and poaching. Shockingly, in most instances, the perpetrators have not been brought to justice.

UNESCO's investigation into the matter reveals a grim picture: approximately 750 attacks against journalists and media outlets reporting on environmental issues over the past 15 years. Guilherme Canela, UNESCO’s chief of freedom of expression and safety of journalists, shared insights from the report in an interview with UN News. He noted that 70 percent of environmental journalists have faced violence, with a quarter experiencing legal repercussions.

Canela also highlighted the tragic statistic that over the last five decades, 44 journalists covering environmental stories have been killed. He stressed the importance of journalists as vital observers in conflict zones, providing essential information that can save lives. The call to action from UNESCO is clear: there is an urgent need to protect journalists who bring critical environmental issues to light and hold influential entities accountable.

This year marks 30 years since the Santiago Declaration, which significantly advanced media independence and pluralism. UNESCO continues its global commitment to defending press freedom and freedom of expression, especially in light of the current environmental challenges facing our planet. World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder of the indispensable role journalism plays in addressing the global environmental crisis.

With inputs from WAM