By Burnett Munthali
In the year 2024, a staggering 82 journalists lost their lives—simply for doing their job.
This sobering statistic underscores the immense risks that journalists face globally, every single day.
These individuals, driven by a duty to inform and enlighten, often become targets of threats, censorship, and violence.
The dangers they face are not abstract; they are immediate, brutal, and, in too many cases, fatal.
On 3 May, the world observes World Press Freedom Day, a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by journalists and to recommit to defending the vital principle of press freedom.
In recognition of these sacrifices, UNESCO has chosen to honour not only the individual journalists but also institutions that exemplify journalistic courage.
Among them is the Nicaraguan newspaper La Prensa, which has been awarded the prestigious 2025 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.
This award pays homage to all those who risk their safety to uphold the public’s right to know.
UNESCO’s actions are driven by a single truth: only through journalism can we truly see the full picture.
It is through independent, fact-based reporting that we gain a clearer understanding of the world around us.
Journalism provides us with a lens that cuts through propaganda, distortion, and suppression.
This year’s commemoration takes on even greater significance considering the alarming rise in journalist fatalities—an increase from 74 in 2023 to 82 in 2024.
UNESCO emphasizes that journalism is not just a profession, but a pillar of democracy and justice.
To protect this pillar, UNESCO has made press freedom and the safety of journalists central to its mission.
As the coordinating body of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, UNESCO undertakes multi-faceted initiatives to safeguard those who inform the public.
These efforts include offering technical support, legal aid, and psychological assistance to journalists in conflict zones and crisis regions.
In Ukraine, for example, UNESCO has provided 200 emergency grants to journalists operating in perilous conditions—one-third of whom are women.
Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, 550 journalists have received financial assistance from UNESCO.
Beyond Ukraine, UNESCO actively intervenes in approximately 220 cases each year involving persecuted journalists worldwide.
The organization also builds global networks to monitor and expose threats against the press, identifying around 50 such incidents annually.
Each intervention represents UNESCO’s broader commitment to ensuring that the right to information is universally upheld.
Press freedom is not a regional concern—it is a global imperative.
The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize is one of the most symbolic instruments in this ongoing fight.
Established in 1997, the prize is named in honour of Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano Isaza, who was assassinated for his courageous work.
It recognizes excellence in journalism undertaken in environments marked by danger and repression.
As Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, aptly stated, “The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Prize pays tribute to all journalists who continue to inform us despite facing numerous risks and threats to their personal safety.”
She further stressed that the award reminds the world annually of the need to support those who defend the flow of information.
This year, La Prensa of Nicaragua was recognized for its exceptional courage and resilience.
Despite years of persecution, asset confiscation, the jailing of its leaders, and the eventual forced exile of its editorial team, La Prensa has never ceased to report.
It continues to deliver credible news to Nicaraguans and the broader global community, even in the face of brutal state repression.
Yasuomi Sawa, Chair of the international jury of media professionals, lauded La Prensa’s efforts, stating: “La Prensa has made courageous efforts to report the truth to the people of Nicaragua.”
He added that the newspaper, like many other civil society organizations, has been subjected to harsh repression.
Despite being driven into exile, La Prensa continues to embody the flame of press freedom, refusing to let it be extinguished.
As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, the story of La Prensa reminds us why independent journalism matters.
It is the bedrock of accountability, justice, and democratic governance.
La Prensa now joins an elite lineage of past laureates, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa, the Colombian Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP), and countless Afghan journalists, all of whom have risked everything to defend the public’s right to know.
Their stories are not just about courage—they are about the enduring power of truth.
Journalism, in its purest form, exposes corruption, gives voice to the voiceless, and challenges power.
Without it, the world would be a darker, more dangerous place.
Today, let us remember those who have paid the ultimate price for the truth.
Let us stand with those who continue the fight.
Let us uphold journalism—for it is only through journalism that we can ever truly see the full picture.
