On the occasion of May 3, World Press Freedom Day, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) warned of the worrying state of media freedoms in the world and called on citizens to mobilize in defense of the right to information, the foundation of every democracy.
According to UNESCO’s report on global trends in freedom of expression and media development for the period 2022–2025, freedom of expression has declined by 10 percent since 2012. The IFJ assesses this decline as alarming, stating that its scale is comparable to the most difficult periods of the 20th century, including the world wars and the Cold War.
Increasing number of journalists killed and persecuted
The IFJ recorded 128 journalists killed during 2025, while nine journalists have already lost their lives this year. Of particular concern are armed conflicts in which the label “press” no longer protects journalists, but often makes them targets.
In countries such as Ukraine, Palestine, Lebanon and Sudan, journalists face arrests, forced exile and murder for their work.
New forms of threats and surveillance
Outside war zones, threats to journalists are taking on more sophisticated forms. In its latest global surveillance report, published on 28 April, the IFJ warns of systemic and unprecedented surveillance of journalists.
It states that fake messages and websites are being combined with advanced state-level spyware, which threatens the safety of journalists and the protection of their sources, often without adequate legal control.
Risks of the development of artificial intelligence
The organization also expresses concern about the development of artificial intelligence, which can threaten democracy through the spread of disinformation, identity theft, the replacement of journalists with automated tools without ethical standards, as well as the use of journalistic content without consent and compensation.
IFJ Secretary General Anthony Bellanger said that any attack on a media worker is an attempt to silence the truth.
“Our right to inform is also the public’s right to be informed. Citizens must hold governments accountable and protect this right through laws that ensure media independence, prohibit surveillance and regulate the use of artificial intelligence,” said Bellanger.
Celebrating World Press Freedom Day
On May 3, the IFJ and partner organizations will gather in Paris to reaffirm their commitment to free and independent media. The IFJ World Congress will also be held from May 4 to 7, bringing together hundreds of delegates from around the world to define the future of journalism and media freedom.
World Press Freedom Day has been celebrated annually since 1993, when it was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly. The date is linked to the anniversary of the 1991 Windhoek Declaration, a document adopted by African journalists in Windhoek, Namibia, to protect free and independent journalism.
