16 Dec 2025 - 07:56
The Kabul Tribune (KT) - The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has warned that freedom of expression is declining around the world and that journalists are facing growing dangers, according to a new global report.
The report says freedom of expression has fallen by 10% since 2012, reaching its lowest level in decades. UNESCO links this decline to rising self-censorship and an increase in attacks against journalists.
Between 2022 and 2025, 186 journalists were killed, mostly while reporting from war and conflict zones. In 2025 alone, 93 journalists died, including 60 in conflict areas.
Many journalists now avoid reporting on sensitive topics because they fear violence, online harassment, or legal action. Since 2012, self-censorship among journalists has risen by 63%.
Online abuse is also increasing, especially against women journalists. In 2025, 75% of women journalists said they experienced online violence while doing their jobs.
Despite these challenges, UNESCO highlights some positive developments. More people now have access to social media, investigative journalism is expanding, and more countries are passing laws to protect community media.
UNESCO is urging governments to protect journalists, support independent media, and promote media literacy to help people better understand and trust information.
