UN Urges End to Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

The United Nations’ global principles regarding information integrity require governments to protect journalists and end impunity for crimes against them, stated UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications Melissa Fleming on Saturday (5/9).

“The UN global principles on information integrity encourage all governments to recommit to press freedom, protect journalists, and end impunity for crimes against them, respect the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and end practices that limit the independence of news reporting,” Fleming said during the Asia-Pacific Media Forum in Shenzhen, China.

According to the UN official, meaningful change can only be realised through a society that is adequately informed and actively engaged.

“That is why we want to see strong and critical reporting on the various issues we face, with accurate and in-depth reporting to explain the most complex challenges, as well as inspiring conversations with those striving to find solutions. Conversations that can showcase the people and places doing the right thing,” she added.

Fleming stated that such media reporting serves as an essential public service, as it can restore trust and help overcome various barriers to progress.

In February 2026, the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that 129 media workers were killed in 2025, the highest number ever recorded.