UNESCO Warns of Global Decline in Freedom of Expression

UNESCO Warns of Global Decline in Freedom of Expression
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UNESCO has released a new global report titled “Journalism: Shaping a World of Peace,” warning of a serious decline in freedom of expression between 2022 and 2025. Despite innovation in digital media, the study finds mounting pressures on journalism that are weakening independent voices worldwide across regions, sectors, and platforms.

The report notes that global freedom of expression indicators have fallen by about ten percent since 2012, reflecting governance weaknesses and rising hostility toward media workers. Journalists increasingly face political influence, ownership concentration, and institutional interference, while academic and artistic freedoms have also narrowed across multiple regions worldwide, significantly, steadily.

According to the study, working conditions for journalists have become increasingly fragile, with self-censorship rising sharply amid expanded control by governments and powerful groups. Media outlets, broadcasters, and digital platforms face growing pressure, limiting editorial independence and reducing space for critical reporting in both traditional and online environments globally today.

UNESCO also documents an alarming rise in violence against journalists. Since early 2022, at least 310 media workers have been killed worldwide, including 24 women. Many deaths occurred during armed conflicts, while journalists increasingly face digital harassment, legal intimidation, smear campaigns, and threats forcing displacement or exile across multiple countries.

On technology, the report finds widespread adoption of artificial intelligence tools in news production, alongside deep concern over election-related disinformation and hate speech spreading online. UNESCO highlights limited safeguards on platforms but notes positive trends, including expanded social media access and growing legal recognition of community media worldwide in law.

The report concludes that sustained erosion of freedom of expression threatens journalism, citizenship, and human rights, undermining societies’ capacity to confront crises. UNESCO urges governments to strengthen institutional protections, ensure media independence, and improve journalist safety, arguing that a free, secure media environment is essential for stability and peace globally.