Free press advances peace and justice for all.  Recognizing the crucial role of journalists, the United Nation dedicates May 3rd of every year, known as World Press Freedom Day, to honouring the work of journalists and advocating for ending crackdowns against the media.

Since the February 17th revolution, Libya has seen an expansion of media channels, allowing multiple perspectives and constructive debate in the society.  It is a phenomenon that should be celebrated.  However, journalists and media workers across the country continue to face attacks for exercising their freedom of expression.

Over the last 12 months alone, UNSMIL has documented 14 serious cases of human rights violations and abuses against journalists and media workers. These include unlawful killing, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and deprivation of liberty, torture and ill-treatment as well as death threats.

On this day, let us salute all those journalists who endured hardship to be the voice of the voiceless.  Let us remember the journalists and media workers who lost their lives over the past year while covering stories in Libya.  To the families of Abdelkader Fassouk, Jeroen Oerlemans and Khaled Showiref Al-Zintani, our thoughts are with you. Also on this day, we recall the seven Libyan and Tunisian journalists who went missing in 2014, and wish them a safe return to their families. 

All people in Libya have a right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information.   Impunity for attacks against journalists must be tackled and freedom of expression upheld. Professional media is objective and independent. It is not propaganda and it does not spread hatred nor incite hostility and violence. As the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “when we protect journalists, their words and pictures can change our world.”