World Press Freedom Day 2025: Only through journalism do we see the full picture – UNESCO

Every day, journalists face increasing risks — threats, censorship and violence — simply for reporting the truth. In 2024, they paid a particularly high price: 82 lost their lives in the course of their work, compared to 74 in 2023. 

Only through journalism do we see the full picture: a clearer understanding of the world, grounded in facts, independence and integrity. On this World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO is honouring all those who bring facts to light – despite the danger. 

UNESCO’s commitment to press freedom

Protecting journalists’ safety is critical for freedom of expression, and central to UNESCO’s mandate. As the coordinator of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, it ensures that journalists can continue to share vital information by taking action in a number of ways. 

To support journalists working in the midst of crises and conflicts, UNESCO provides technical, legal, and psychological assistance. In Ukraine, for example, it attributed 200 emergency grants to journalists, one-third of them women. A total of 550 Ukrainian journalists have received financial support since the war began.  

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Worldwide, UNESCO provides legal assistance and protection to persecuted journalists, intervening in an average of 220 cases per year. It also establishes networks to document, investigate and expose threats and attacks, identifying around 50 cases annually. 

These efforts reflect a broader commitment: to uphold press freedom and ensure that the right to information remains protected — everywhere, and for all. 

The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Prize: a reminder of journalists’ sacrifices in pursuit of truth

The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize is one more way that UNESCO supports journalists. Established in 1997 and named after the assassinated Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano Isaza, it honours outstanding journalism in the face of danger. 

“The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Prize pays tribute to all journalists who continue to inform us despite facing numerous risks and threats to their personal safety. Each year, this Prize reminds us of the importance of standing with those who protect and uphold the flow of information.” 

Audrey Azoulay Director-General of UNESCO

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In 2025, the Prize has been awarded to theNicaraguan newspaper La Prensa, in recognition of its exceptional resilience and commitment to independent journalism. Despite years of pressure, repression and the imprisonment and expulsion of its leadership, along with the confiscation of its assets in 2021, La Prensa has continued to report, providing reliable news to the public in Nicaragua and beyond. 

“La Prensa has made courageous efforts to report the truth to the people of Nicaragua. Like other civil society organizations, La Prensa has faced severe repression. Forced into exile, this newspaper bravely keeps the flame of press freedom alive.” 

Yasuomi Sawa Chair of the international jury of media professionals As the world celebrates press freedom, the example ofLa Prensa reminds us that independent journalism is essential for justice, accountability and democracy. La Prensa joins a distinguished group of UNESCO/Guillermo Cano laureates — including Maria Ressa, FLIP, and journalists from Afghanistan— who have risked their safety to defend the public’s right to know. 

Culled from: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/world-press-freedom-day-2025-only-through-journalism-do-we-see-full-picture

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