85% Of Crimes Against Journalists Go Unpunished — UN

The United Nations has raised fresh concerns over the growing threat faced by journalists worldwide, revealing that about 85 percent of crimes committed against media professionals remain unresolved and unpunished.

According to the UN, attacks on journalists including killings, intimidation, unlawful detention, harassment, and censorship continue to rise in many parts of the world. The global body warned that the failure to prosecute offenders is encouraging more violence against reporters and weakening press freedom.

The UN stated that journalists play a critical role in promoting democracy, transparency, accountability, and human rights by keeping citizens informed on important national and international issues. However, many media workers now operate under dangerous conditions, especially in conflict zones and politically tense environments.

The organization urged governments across the world to strengthen legal protections for journalists, ensure independent investigations into attacks on media workers, and prosecute those responsible for crimes against them. It also called on security agencies to respect press freedom and uphold international laws protecting journalists.

Media rights groups have repeatedly expressed concern over the increasing number of attacks on reporters, particularly those investigating corruption, organized crime, elections, and human rights abuses. Several journalists have also faced online harassment and threats aimed at silencing independent reporting.

The UN stressed that protecting journalists is essential for safeguarding democracy and ensuring citizens have access to credible and accurate information. It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting global efforts aimed at ending impunity for crimes against media professionals.