The United Nations (UN) has stated in a new report on the global state of freedom of expression that the level of free speech worldwide has significantly declined since 2012.
On Monday, May 11, the organization emphasized that free, independent, pluralistic, and professional journalism is essential for democracy and for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The report was published by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and covers the period from 2022 to 2025.
The findings show that these values are facing unprecedented pressure, pressures that threaten the world’s ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
The report adds that the V-Dem Global Freedom of Expression Index has declined by 10% over the past decade, a clear sign of weakening press freedom, despite some limited positive trends.
According to the report, the combined political and social pressures have weakened media freedom, pluralism, and diversity. It also notes that over the past two years, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence has further marginalized the value and visibility of traditional media.
The report also highlights growing threats to the safety of journalists, with women journalists being disproportionately targeted.
It further notes that freedom of expression in Afghanistan has sharply declined since the return of the Taliban, with media operating under severe censorship.
