UNESCO Warns of Global Decline in Freedom of Expression and Rising Threats to Journalists.
Paris:
A new flagship report by UNESCO has raised serious concerns about the state of freedom of expression and the safety of journalists worldwide, revealing a historic global decline over the past decade.
According to UNESCO’s World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development Report 2022–2025, freedom of expression has fallen by nearly 10% globally between 2012 and 2024. The report attributes this decline largely to increasing self-censorship among journalists, driven by growing threats, harassment, and attacks both offline and in digital spaces.
The report highlights that journalists across many regions face intimidation, online abuse, surveillance, and physical danger, creating an environment in which many avoid reporting on sensitive issues. This erosion of press freedom, UNESCO warns, weakens democratic institutions and limits the public’s access to reliable information.
Digital Platforms and Governance
UNESCO also points to the growing influence of digital platforms on public discourse. In response, the organization released its Global Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms in 2023. These guidelines were shaped by contributors from more than 130 countries and aim to promote transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights online.
Since their release, the guidelines have helped UNESCO Member States strengthen independent regulatory bodies, supporting efforts to ensure that digital platforms empower users to make informed choices while safeguarding freedom of expression across all regions of the world.
Strengthening Media and Information Literacy
Another key focus of the report is media and information literacy (MIL), which UNESCO identifies as essential for rebuilding trust in today’s complex information ecosystem. Teaching citizens how to critically evaluate information and safely navigate social media platforms is seen as a crucial defense against misinformation and manipulation.
To support this goal, UNESCO has trained more than 10,500 content creators from over 150 countries, equipping them with skills to build audience trust, shape public opinion ethically, and produce engaging content that promotes media and information literacy.
A Global, Multi-Year Assessment
Published every four years, the World Trends report is the only global study that systematically analyzes long-term trends in freedom of expression and journalism. The current edition, titled “Journalism: Shaping a World at Peace,” draws on contributions from over 100 experts and hundreds of academic and institutional sources.
Most of the data used in the report was collected between January 2022 and December 2025, offering a comprehensive picture of the challenges facing journalism today.
UNESCO concludes that reversing the decline in freedom of expression will require stronger protections for journalists, responsible digital governance, and sustained investment in media and information literacy—key pillars for peaceful, inclusive, and informed societies.
