Good morning,
I am pleased to join UNESCO and all of you on this World Press Freedom day to pay tribute to the critical work and sacrifices by journalists and media workers in Lebanon, in the region and around the world and to recognize the big impact they have on our daily lives.
Our meeting today in Beirut is in itself symbolic because of the influential role the media has played historically in Lebanon. It is very important to safeguard this image of openness in Lebanon and the space it offers for press freedoms and freedom of expression.
During the past two decades, the media realm has evolved and expanded considerably worldwide. New media and technologies are on the rise reaching more people. Traditional press and audiovisual media are also seeking new horizons. But the mission at the heart of this plethora of media outlets remains one and the same, to keep people informed.
Democratic societies cannot thrive and develop without an active and free press. A free press allows people to exercise their right to know, expand and diversify their knowledge and make educated decisions.
A free press not only informs people, it empowers society as a whole by making information and developments that affect their lives accessible to all, even making it possible for people to hold their authorities accountable when necessary. Its role is critical in shedding light on human rights violations and enabling marginalized groups, such as women, persons with disabilities and vulnerable people by making their voices heard and their needs and rights understood.
During the past 30 years, since the UN began marking World Press Freedom Day, progress has been made in recognizing the importance of press freedom and implementing it. Nevertheless, many challenges remain and need to be addressed.
-Journalists still find themselves threatened or targeted for doing their job. At the global level, at least 67 media workers were killed in 2022, a 50 per cent increase over the previous year. Others faced enforced disappearance, kidnapping, arbitrary detention, legal harassment and digital violence, with women particularly being targeted. Governments and national authorities must do more to stop such crimes and ensure the protection of journalists.
-Freedom of expression, which is enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the right to “seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”, is in many cases restricted and under attack, which in turn impacts the fulfillment of other human rights of individuals.
-The media needs a conducive environment to flourish. This is only possible when it is backed by the necessary laws and legal structures. Last week, the Ministry of Information and UNESCO proposed a new enhanced version of the media law in Lebanon that aims to strengthen the media landscape, is aligned with international standards and ensures freedom of speech and the protection of journalists. I hope the Lebanese Parliament will give this matter the urgency it deserves by expediting the adoption of this new modern and progressive media law.
-Meanwhile, the unprecedented socio-economic crisis in Lebanon has also deeply affected media institutions and journalists. Sometimes we forget that while reporting on hardships, conflict and adversity, the journalists can themselves be equally affected. This brings us back to the main issue: reforms. The Lebanese authorities need to urgently put in place and implement necessary reforms to steer Lebanon back towards a path of recovery that will address the needs of all sectors of society, including the media.
-Another big challenge is the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation that sometimes contribute to the spread of hate speech and hostility. It is the duty of journalists to stand up for the truth, to share verified information and counter the spread of fake news. This can only be possible by giving the media the necessary freedom and access.
Press freedom comes with a big responsibility. Media Ethics that is centered on truth and accuracy, independence, humanity and accountability is essential to have the right influence on people. If not exercised responsibly, press freedom can sow divisions instead of solidarity, can spread hatred instead of tolerance and understanding, which can be very dangerous in fragile societies.
Looking ahead, the media has a central role to play in building back a better future in Lebanon and the region. For the UN, the media is an important partner in promoting worldwide priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals that offer the prospect for a more prosperous world. Being the closest to the people, the media can relay their hopes and aspirations and open the windows to information and knowledge.
I hope the roundtable discussions in the next two days will produce new ideas on all these opportunities that lie within and for the media.
Wishing you a fruitful and successful conference
Thank you