Journalists across the world face growing persecution, censorship and violence, while the international community too often responds with silence.

Press freedom is not a privilege; it is a cornerstone of human rights and democracy.

With this open letter to the United Nations, we call for urgent and enforceable action to protect those who risk their lives to uncover the truth.

Nicaragua’s War on the Press: New Report Highlights Escalating Repression
Nicaragua’s War on the Press: New Report Highlights Escalating Repression
Read more

To underline the urgency, we recently translated and published a report by FLED on press freedom in Nicaragua, where journalists endure censorship, exile and persecution under an increasingly authoritarian regime. Nicaragua is only one of many troubling examples that highlight the need for international action.

A united civil society front has the power to press for meaningful reform.

The letter will be publicly shared and formally submitted to the United Nations, including the Office of the Secretary-General and the Human Rights Council once it has sufficient signatories.

On the urgent need to protect press freedom and uphold human rights standards

Dear Secretary-General António Guterres,

Dear Members of the United Nations General Assembly and Human Rights Council,

We, the undersigned organisations and individuals, write to express our deep concern over the growing global erosion of press freedom and the lack of adequate response by the international community. The deliberate persecution of journalists, the suppression of independent media, and the criminalisation of free expression are not only violations of human rights—they are direct threats to peace, accountability, and democratic governance. Whilst we welcome the 7 July 2025 resolution on the safety of journalists adopted by consensus at the UN Human Rights Council, we respectfully urge the United Nations to take meaningful and enforceable action to defend freedom of the press worldwide.

Specifically, we call for the following measures:

1. Ban States that Violate Press Freedom from the Human Rights Council: States that systematically persecute journalists or suppress media freedoms must not be permitted to serve on the UN Human Rights Council. Allowing such governments to occupy seats on the Council undermines its credibility and legitimacy.

2. Establish Clear Accountability Mechanisms: The UN must implement transparent procedures for documenting, reporting, and sanctioning violations of press freedom. This includes strengthening the role of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

3. Create a UN-Backed Emergency Protection Mechanism for Journalists: Journalists at imminent risk should have swift access to emergency visas, safe corridors, and relocation support, coordinated under a UN-mandated body in cooperation with civil society.

4. Include Press Freedom in All Relevant Human Rights Evaluations and Resolutions: Country reviews, sanctions, and peacekeeping operations must explicitly assess and respond to the treatment of journalists and media institutions.

5. Support Independent Journalism Through Funding and Infrastructure: The UN should establish a fund or programme to support independent journalism in fragile democracies and authoritarian regimes, channelling aid through trustworthy NGOs and media organisations.

6. Encourage Member States to Repeal Laws That Criminalise Journalism: Laws that penalise “fake news,” “defamation,” or “incitement” are often used as tools of censorship. The UN must speak out against these abuses and promote legislative reforms.

“The United Nations was founded on the principles of dignity, justice, and truth. These values are intrinsically linked to press freedom and to the essential role journalists play in informing, investigating, and giving a voice to the voiceless. We trust that your leadership will honour these principles, and we encourage you to translate them into concrete actions that reflect a genuine commitment to protecting freedom of expression and those who exercise it.”

Sincerely,

Adrian Liberto on behalf of UN-aligned

  • This open letter marks the beginning of a global appeal to the United Nations. If you or your organisation would like to co-sign, please email us to register your support.
  • More co-signatories to be added…