A United Nations report warns that global freedom of expression has weakened substantially: the V‑Dem Global Freedom of Expression Index fell by about 10 percent between 2012 and 2024. Published by UNESCO and covering developments through 2022–2025, the assessment points to growing attacks on journalists, rising self‑censorship and shrinking space for critical voices as primary drivers of the decline.
The V‑Dem index, compiled by the Varieties of Democracy Institute, evaluates governments’ respect for press freedom, media independence, academic and cultural expression, and public debate. UNESCO says combined political and social pressures have eroded media pluralism and diversity. It also highlights that the rapid spread of artificial intelligence over the past two years has further reduced the visibility and perceived value of traditional media outlets.
Threats to journalists have intensified. During 2022–2025, 186 journalists were killed while covering wars and conflict zones — a 67 percent increase over the previous four‑year period (2018–2021). In 2025 alone, 93 journalists were killed, 60 of them in conflict areas. Despite some progress on prosecutions, impunity for killings remains high: the report notes a drop in impunity rates from 95 percent in 2012 to 85 percent in 2024, meaning most perpetrators still avoid punishment.
Safety risks are not evenly distributed. New research by the International Center for Journalists for UN Women, in partnership with UNESCO, found that 75 percent of women journalists and media workers experienced online violence while doing their jobs in 2025, up from 73 percent in 2020. Environmental reporters are also under growing pressure: UNESCO recorded 749 attacks on journalists covering environmental issues between 2009 and 2023, with incidents rising sharply in recent years.
The report documents a sharp increase in self‑censorship among journalists, estimating a 63 percent rise over the reporting period, roughly equivalent to a 5 percent increase per year. Such self‑restraint, driven by threats, harassment and legal or political pressures, undermines the watchdog role of the media.
UNESCO Director‑General Khaled El‑Enany underscored the report’s warning that freedom of expression and information is fundamental to lasting peace. He stressed the need for collective action to defend the public’s right to think, write and inform, and said UNESCO would continue coordinating efforts to strengthen media pluralism and protect diversity.
There are, however, some positive developments. Between 2020 and 2025, an estimated 1.5 billion people gained access to social media and messaging platforms, expanding channels for civic participation. Collaborative cross‑border investigative projects have multiplied, fact‑checking units are growing within news organizations, and more countries are adopting laws that recognize and protect community media, supporting trusted local information sources.
UNESCO’s report frames these trends as both a call to action and a reminder of the stakes: preserving independent, pluralistic and professional journalism is essential not only for democratic accountability but also for achieving broader development goals by 2030. The findings make clear that reversing the recent erosion of free expression will require legal protections, improved safety and accountability for abuses against journalists, sustained support for independent media, and policies that ensure new technologies amplify rather than marginalize diverse public voices.
