TRIPOLI— Celebrating World Press Freedom Day with Libyan journalists, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Libya, Hanna Tetteh, praised the courage of Libyan journalists and announced new UNSMIL-backed efforts to strengthen media professionalism in the country. 

During her remarks at the event organized by the General Press Authority and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), SRSG Tetteh said in her opening remarks, “I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Libyan journalists—women and men—who strive to uphold the values of journalistic integrity in challenging circumstances,” invoking the legacy of pioneering Libyan broadcaster Khadija Aljahmi. “Your resilience is deeply inspiring.” 

Ms. Tetteh also emphasized the social responsibility of media and journalists to deliver accurate and truthful reporting to the public, ensuring that people’s voices are equally amplified by the media to decision-makers.  

The event, attended by over 20 journalists from key Libyan publications and media organizations, featured an open discussion during which journalists shared their thoughts on the current political situation and the impact of misinformation, disinformation, and incendiary rhetoric on efforts to secure long-lasting peace for Libya. 

During the open discussion, journalists expressed appreciation for the initiative, calling for increased engagement with the Mission across the country, and commending its ongoing campaign to combat hate speech and misinformation in Libyan public sphere. They also urged the Mission to support the right of all journalists to access information without discrimination and called on the Mission to advocate for the repeal of punitive articles in the Libyan Penal Code that restrict press freedom. 

Journalists emphasized the need to hold accountable those who violate journalists' rights and combat impunity, while adopting a professional code of conduct to protect press freedom in Libya. 

The journalists also called for reviving efforts for a unified national journalists' union, promoting a culture of peace through responsible media discourse, and urging UNSMIL to advocate for a safe working environment for journalists. 

Tetteh acknowledged the risks and difficulties journalists in Libya face, from political pressure and censorship to threats against their safety. 

In her statement, Tetteh underlined that journalism is a pillar of peacebuilding in Libya, which is still grappling with the effects of years of conflict and political fragmentation. 

“At this sensitive time in Libya’s history, the media has a crucial role to play in creating a conducive environment to unify the country and its institutions and establish lasting stability and prosperity,” she said. 

The Chairman of the General Press Authority, Mr. Abdulrazaq Al-Dahesh, thanked Ms. Tetteh and UNSMIL for their support, emphasizing the importance of access to information. He stated, "We cannot talk about press freedom without unrestricted access to information. The essence of our problem in Libya is the failure to manage our differences, which has led to polarization and the exploitation of religious and national sanctities to excommunicate and betray the different other." 

Citing the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, especially on digital platforms, Tetteh acknowledged the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in newsrooms but also warned of the dangers posed by deepfakes, AI-generated content, and the lack of regulation. 

“These harmful practices undermine public trust, deepen division, and threaten the very foundations of democratic dialogue,” she said. “In Libya, as in many parts of the world, these dangers are amplified by political instability and the absence of robust regulatory frameworks.” 

To support Libyan journalists in navigating these threats, Tetteh announced the upcoming launch of a new professional development program spearheaded by UNSMIL. The initiative, which begins on 7 May, will offer training in digital fact-checking, investigative reporting, conflict-sensitive journalism, and the impact of artificial intelligence on media and politics—among other topics. 
 

Full text of SRSG Tettteh's Opening Remarks