GENEVA (1 May 2020) – The UN’s Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, David Kaye, has urged States to free all media workers detained because of their work and stop the intimidation and repression of the independent press. He released the following statement today to mark World Press Freedom Day on Sunday, 3 May.
“A free press gives people access to information of all kinds, especially critical during a public health crisis. In recent months, independent journalism has been an essential lever for public information, uncovering stories of government deception while helping people worldwide understand the nature and scope of the public health crisis we are all confronting.
Detaining journalists runs directly counter to the State’s obligation to ensure an enabling environment for the media. At a time when disease outbreaks spread through detention facilities, detention’s cruelty is exposed, imposing an additionally excessive punishment that carries with it the risk of illness and death.
Hundreds of journalists have been detained because of their work. The Committee to Protect Journalists estimates 250 journalists are in prison. Reporters Without Borders has called to the UN’s attention a ‘wave of press freedom violations.’
The criminalisation of journalism must end. That can start with releasing journalists from detention as a matter of urgency.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak emerged early this year, I have received alarming accounts of official retaliation against journalists under the guise of spreading disinformation. In my recently published report to the UN Human Rights Council I emphasised the way in which Governments attack the messenger and limit reporting rather than act responsively on the information disclosed.
I note that the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day is ‘journalism without fear or favour’. I urge all States to ensure that media workers can do their jobs without fear, keeping in mind that journalism expands the public’s right to know and the public’s right to accountable government.”
ENDS
Mr David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. As Special Rapporteur, Mr Kaye is part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms of the Human Rights Council that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.