The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has joined the world media fraternity in commemorating World Press Freedom Day.
This year’s day is commemorated under the theme: “A Press for the Planet: Protecting Journalists and Scientists in Defence of the Environment.”
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference.
Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
For its part, SANEF aid it noted the clarion call made by UNESCO that in 2024, World Press Freedom Day should be dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.
“Sadly, South Africa has this year slid down in the World Press Freedom index to 38th place. Last year, 2023, it was in place 25.
“The reasons given are that the economic indicators brought are the reasons for the drop,” read a statement from SANEF.
The Forum also noted that that journalists encounter significant challenges in seeking and disseminating information on contemporary issues, such as supply-chain problems, climate migration, extractive industries, illegal mining, pollution, poaching, animal trafficking, deforestation, or climate change.
SANEF reiterated its urgent appeal to protect journalists in Gaza, since the renewal of the conflict between Hamas and the Israeli Defence Force in October last year.
“According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), as of May 1, 2024, CPJ’s preliminary investigations showed at least 97 journalists and media workers were among the more than 35 000 killed since the war began on October 7, with more than 34 000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza and the West Bank and 1 200 deaths in Israel,” added the statement.
Meanwhile, delivering his message of support, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said media freedom is under siege, adding that environmental journalism is an increasingly dangerous profession.
“Dozens of journalists covering illegal mining, logging, poaching and other environmental issues have been killed in recent decades. In the vast majority of cases, no one has been held to account.
“UNESCO reports that in the past fifteen years, there have been some 750 attacks on journalists and news outlets reporting on environmental issues. And the frequency of such attacks is rising,” said Guterres.
He highlighted that around the world, media workers are risking their lives trying to bring news on everything from war to democracy.
“I am shocked and appalled by the high number of journalists killed in Israeli military operations in Gaza.
“The United Nations recognizes the invaluable work of journalists and media professionals to ensure that the public is informed and engaged. Without facts, we cannot fight mis- and disinformation.
“Without accountability, we will not have strong policies in place. Without press freedom, we won’t have any freedom. A free press is not a choice, but a necessity,” added Guterres.
