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UNESCO report
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Freedom of expression has worsened in the world: 10% since 2012

In the period 2022-2025, 185 journalists have lost their lives, 67% more than in the previous four years.

Periodista kazetari prentsa Gaza libertad de prensa

A journalist in Gaza.

Thesituation of freedom of expression in the world has deteriorated . In the last little more than a decade (2012-2024) , the rate measuring it has fallen by 10%. This decline is equivalent to that recorded in World War I, the run-up to World War II or the wrong period of the Cold War, according to a report by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture .

The freedom of expression index is calculated taking into account factors such as censorship, harassment of journalists or freedom of expression in the academic and cultural fields.  The deterioration has been noticeable since 2020, but since 2022 it has been declining alarmingly.  

UNESCO today published a report on the status of freedom of expression, entitled "International trends in journalism: building a peaceful world 2022/2025." The study detects worrying trends: the increase in self-censorship, the weakening of the judiciary and the legislature, the decline in public confidence and the increase in polarization. 

There's another cause for concern, according to UNESCO. "We've reversed equality and increased harassment of journalists, scientists and researchers. "In addition, the dominance of tech giant companies has fueled" hate messages and misinformation. " 

Thus, "political, social and commercial pressures have curtailed the freedom and diversity of the media." To all this must be added the effects of artificial intelligence, which has exacerbated the crisis of traditional media. 


Almost 100 journalists died in 2025.

According to UNESCO, this is a difficult time for journalists, as pressure and physical threats have grown, especially in conflict zones. 

In 2025, 91 journalists lost their lives and 41% were killed. Moreover, the impunity for these murders remains high. According to UNESCO, 85% of those responsible for these murders have not been punished. 

Self-censorship has also increased by 5% every year and has grown by 63% in 2012-2024. Journalists are reluctant to publish conflicting issues for fear of reprisals. 




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