TRIPOLI - On World Press Freedom Day, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) values the crucial role of journalists in promoting freedom of expression, democratic values, social cohesion, and accountability. This year, UNSMIL joins the UN Secretary-General in calling on media workers to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on populations worldwide.

Libya, a country of great natural beauty and rich biodiversity, faces significant environmental challenges. Desertification, increasing water scarcity, and ecosystem degradation are just some of the pressing concerns demanding media attention. The devastating impact of Storm Daniel last September serves as a reminder of the need to report these issues, explain their far-reaching consequences for communities and the country’s future, and hold those responsible to account.

UNSMIL acknowledges that the current political and security context is not conducive for journalists to freely operate in Libya. Creating an enabling environment that ensures journalists’ safety and independence of journalists is paramount for them to fulfill their role as society's watchdogs and an agent of positive change.

As it honors the journalists who lost their lives during Libya's conflicts, the mission urges journalists to uphold high professional and ethical standards. This includes actively countering biased reporting, fake news, disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech.

The mission firmly believes that a free and professional press is essential for Libya's transition towards peace, stability, and the establishment of legitimate institutions.