For information only - not an official document

UNIS/SGSM/831
2 May 2017

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres:

Message on World Press Freedom Day

3 May 2017

VIENNA, 3 May (UN Information Service) - Journalists go to the most dangerous places to give voice to the voiceless.

Media workers suffer character assassination, sexual assault, detention, injuries and even death.

We need leaders to defend a free media. This is crucial to counter prevailing misinformation.

And we need everyone to stand for our right to truth.

On World Press Freedom Day, I call for an end to all crackdowns against journalists - because a free press advances peace and justice for all.

When we protect journalists, their words and pictures can change our world.

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