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In honor of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and UNESCO, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations in Geneva and the City of Geneva, have unveiled the photo exhibition, "Protecting Journalists to Protect Our Freedoms." This exhibit, displayed at the Rotonde du Mont Blanc throughout September 2023, explores the fundamental right outlined in Article 19: the freedom to "seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."

The photographs in this collection vividly depict the daunting challenges faced by journalists worldwide. From widespread journalist detentions to escalating legal threats and the disturbing prevalence of impunity surrounding crimes against them, the exhibition serves as a stark reminder of the indispensable role journalists play in upholding democratic values.

The exhibition's vernissage took place on 13th September, with notable dignitaries gracing the occasion. Among the esteemed speakers were Mr. Alfonso Gomez, Mayor of Geneva; H.E. Ms Désirée Schweitzer, Permanent Representative of Austria to the United Nations in Geneva; Ms Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights; and Ms Ana Luiza Thompson-Flores, Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office in Geneva.

Addressing the guests at the vernissage, Mayor Alfonso Gomez emphasized Geneva's vital role as a city hosting multiple international organizations. He highlighted Geneva's unwavering commitment to safeguarding human rights, freedom of expression, and the critical importance of press freedom. Recognizing the indispensable role of a free press in upholding democracy and fostering informed societies, he reiterated the city's dedication to nurturing an environment where journalists can work fearlessly and independently, ensuring that the voice of truth continues to resonate globally.

Journalists globally face threats, enduring legal harassment and persecution as they act as watchdogs against abuse, safeguard democracy, and preserve our fundamental freedoms – the freedom to express ourselves and access information.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a historic document drafted by representatives from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds worldwide. It outlined fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

To echo this significant milestone, the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3rd for the past 30 years, was: “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights.”

Journalists and media workers globally enable everyone’s right to freedom of opinion and expression. They provide citizens with reliable information, act as independent watchdogs, and foster a vibrant civic space where every voice can contribute and be heard.

However, to bring news to every one of us, media workers risk becoming targets of attacks aimed to silence them. Since 1993, 91�鶹������Ʒ���� recorded more than 1,600 journalists killed worldwide. UNESCO’s latest World Trends Report in Freedom of Expression and Media Development found that 85 per cent of the world’s population experienced a decline in press freedom.

Additional challenges include online attacks, especially against women journalists, and the unlawful use of targeted surveillance technologies against journalists. These issues not only jeopardize journalists but also their sources, colleagues, friends, and family.

The exhibition was also showcased at a high-level conference in Vienna, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity in 2022.

UNESCO and UN Human Rights, alongside media houses, journalists’ unions, academics, and non-governmental organizations, work tirelessly to report and raise awareness about the threats faced by journalists and media workers worldwide. They provide training courses and advocacy campaigns to enhance their protection. Collaboratively, they engage with governments to establish and strengthen national frameworks for journalists’ safety, preventing abuses and ensuring the prosecution of those responsible.

Held in Geneva, the home of the United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the Human Rights Council, where resolutions on freedom of expression and safety of journalists are regularly adopted, this exhibition seeks to remind us all of the importance of ensuring journalists and media workers can continue their work freely, without fear, intimidation, or violence.

Protecting journalism fundamentally means safeguarding our freedoms.

Let us stand for our human rights; let us stand for journalists when they are under attack!