In commemorating this year’s International Human Rights Day, the Vienna-based International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of editors, media executives, and leading journalists dedicated to the promotion and protection of press freedom and the improvement of journalism practices, has called for stronger action from governments and world leaders to protect human rights and press freedom, which it describes as the fundamental pillars of a free and democratic society.
According to IPI, access to information is a fundamental human right that supports the exercise of many others, including freedom of opinion, equality, and the rights to life and security. IPI stresses that a free and independent press is vital for holding those in power accountable for decisions that affect these rights.
IPI warns that press freedom is facing severe and escalating threats worldwide. The organisation points to rising authoritarianism and weakening democracies, which have created environments where journalists are increasingly targeted with physical attacks, arrests, censorship, surveillance, and coordinated online harassment meant to discredit or silence them. In some cases, IPI notes, journalists have even been killed for doing their jobs.
IPI further highlights that many leaders, in both democratic and authoritarian states, are failing to meet their obligations under international human rights law. This erosion of global human rights norms, the organisation says, threatens the future of free media and undermines the foundations of open societies everywhere.
It urged all states and world leaders to step up and defend journalists, acknowledging their critical role in checking abuses of power and protecting democratic freedoms.
