Freetown, 4th May, 2026 — As the world marked World Press Freedom Day under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace”, the Media Freedom Coalition issued a powerful appeal for stronger protections for journalists, warning that global media freedom is facing its most sustained assault in decades.
The Coalition, made up of 46 countries, including Sierra Leone, stressed that a free, independent, and pluralistic press is not only a democratic imperative but also a cornerstone of global and national security. In times of war, it noted, accurate reporting can save lives, counter disinformation, expose war crimes, and foster dialogue among divided communities.
But the risks are mounting. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that 129 media workers were killed in 2025, making it the deadliest year for journalism since records began more than 30 years ago. Once seen as shields, “PRESS” jackets are now often perceived as targets. Beyond physical threats, journalists face online abuse, censorship, financial pressures, and the disruptive challenges of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The Coalition warned that these pressures are eroding the foundations of press freedom even as its role in safeguarding peace and prosperity grows more critical. It called on governments worldwide to uphold media independence, protect journalists covering conflicts, and end impunity for crimes committed against them.
“Supporting a free, independent media is not only a democratic imperative…but also a contribution to shaping a future at peace,” the statement concluded.
