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The 2023 World Press Freedom Index lays out the conditions for journalists in 180 countries, and looks at trends regarding states' regard for the freedom of expression. Notably, conditions over the passed decade have grown worse almost everywhere with only 8 countries having a "Good situation" for journalists. In comparison, 2013 shows 26 countries with a "good situation." The page also explains the growing trend of fake content, and its active use by political actors engaged in disinformation campaigns.

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2023 World Press Freedom Index – journalism threatened by fake content industry

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The 21st edition of the World Press Freedom Index, compiled annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), sheds light on major and often radical changes linked to political, social and technological upheavals.

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The UN, in their call for Afghanistan's authorities led by the Taliban to protect media freedom, explains the falling conditions for journalists in Afghanistan. The article explains that the Taliban has imposed restrictions on media by restricting criticism. Journalists face harassment, detainment, and torture for criticism of the de facto authorities.

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Afghanistan: UN urges de facto authorities to protect media freedom

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A joint report issued this morning by the UN Human Rights Office and the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) paints a disturbing picture of the media landscape in the country since the Taliban takeover.

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International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Article 19

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International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Article 19

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Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights explains that everyone has the right to an opinion, and the freedom of expression. A large majority of states have ratified the convention.

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UN Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR)Article 19

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UN Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR)Article 19

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The UN declaration of human rights established the principles of freedom of opinion and expression. It explains that "everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression," and it established that any person may "seek receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers."

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European Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Article 10. Freedom of Expression

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European Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Article 10. Freedom of Expression

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The European Convention of Human Rights mirrors the language of the UDHR and ICCPR, but expands the power of the state, allowing the state to require licensing for "broadcasting, television or cinema." Similarly, it allows states to suspend these rights for various reasons including, "security, territorial integrity or public safety."

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American Convention on Human Rights Article 13. 

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American Convention on Human Rights Article 13. 

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Like Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights, the American convention takes on similar language to the UDHR and ICCPR while allowing for "imposition of liability" for reasons similar to the European convention. Similarly, the convention specifies that propaganda for war and hate speech "that constitute incitements to lawless violence" are punishable offenses under the law.

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African Charter on Human and People's Rights Article 9.

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African Charter on Human and People's Rights Article 9.

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The African Charter on Human and People's Rights has been ratified by 54 countries, and it allows the right to receive information, and the right to expression. However, the charter allows for limitations to the right of expression by stating that it must be "within the law."

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Reporters Without Borders World Abuses in Real Time 2024

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Reporters Without Borders World Abuses in Real Time 2024

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This page monitors the number of abuses against journalists across the world in real time. The page only lists journalists who's death or detainment are due to their occupation. According to the site, 56 have been killed since January 1st, and 545 have been detained this year.

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are imprisoned at this time

Details in 2018

The table below covers only journalists for whom RSF was able to clearly establish that they were killed or imprisoned in connection with their journalistic work. It does not include those who were killed or imprisoned for reasons unrelated to their work or for whom the link with their work has not yet been confirmed.

Afghanistan (13)

United States (6)

Indonesia (1)

Mexico (6)

Nicaragua (1)

Slovakia (1)

Yemen (5)

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2016 Violations of press freedom barometer | Reporters without borders

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are imprisoned at this time The table below covers only journalists for whom RSF was able to clearly establish that they were killed or imprisoned in connection with their journalistic work. It does not include those who were killed or imprisoned for reasons unrelated to their work or for whom the link with their work has not yet been confirmed.

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UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity

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UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity

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The UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity aims to promote safe environments for journalists to operate. It's goals are to raise awareness of the importance of independent journalism. Through multiple International Days such as International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, and World Press Freedom Day, the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) promotes awareness of the issue of media freedom. Similarly, UNESCO establishes global standards which local governments can draw from. It also monitors the state of press freedom to allow further investigation into specific issues effecting media freedom.

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Intergovernmental Council of the International Programme for the Development of Communication

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UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity

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Freedom of the press under attack worldwide

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Freedom of the press under attack worldwide

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This article from the World Press Freedom Day Global Conference in 2022 highlights the global challenges faced by journalists, as "disinformation, hate speech, and deadly attacks against journalists" pose a large threat to the freedom of the press worldwide. According to the article, 2022 was the "deadliest year for the profession," with 86 journalists killed. According to the Director-General of the UN cultural agency, many occurred outside of war zones.

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The appeal comes in his message ahead of World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on 3 May, in line with a 1993 UN General Assembly resolution.

The focus this year is on the connection between press freedom and overall human rights.

A global problem

"Freedom of the press is the foundation of democracy and justice. It gives all of us the facts we need to shape opinions and speak truth to power. But in every corner of the world, freedom of the press is under attack," Mr. Guterres said.

The Secretary-General is away from New York and a video of his message was played during a ceremony in the General Assembly Hall to commemorate the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day.

Prominent journalists and the heads of media and human rights organizations from around the world are attending the event, sharing their experiences and opinions in several panels on subjects such as multilateralism and freedom of expression.

Deadliest year for journalists

Delivering opening remarks, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UN cultural agency UNESCO, which advocates for the protection of journalists, said 2022 was the deadliest year for the profession.

Last year, 86 journalists were killed, mainly outside war zones. "Oftentimes, they were at home with their family," she said. Hundreds more were attacked or imprisoned.

She said the level of impunity for these crimes sends a chilling message because "the security of journalists is not a matter just for journalists or international organizations. It is a matter for society as a whole."

Furthermore, reporters are also coming under attack in cyberspace. A 2021 report revealed that three out of four women journalists have been the victim of online harassment, prompting UNESCO to issue recommendations for digital platforms to step up protection.

Digital era dilemma

Ms. Azoulay noted that these challenges are happening at the exact moment when journalists are needed more than ever, as the advent of the digital era has changed the entire information landscape.

Although the Internet has opened new channels for information and expression, it has also provided fertile ground for those seeking to sow disinformation and conspiracy theories.

'A new crossroads'

"We find ourselves at a new crossroads," she said. "Our current path is leading us away from informed public debates. Away from the very notion of a shared reality on which it depends. A path towards ever more polarization."

She called for greater action to ensure that information can remain a public good, noting that UNESCO is supporting some 20 countries to develop educational policies in media and information literacy in the digital era.

The agency also organized a major global conference in Paris in February to discuss draft global guidelines for regulating digital platforms, which will be published later this year.

Democracy under fire

In his keynote address, A.G. Sulzberger, Chairman and Publisher of The New York Times, voiced concern over how threats to press freedom globally ultimately impact multilateralism.

"Without journalists to provide news and information that people can depend on, I fear we will continue to see the unraveling of civic bonds, the erosion of democratic norms, and the weakening of the trust in institutions and in each other that is so essential to the global order," he said.

Mr. Sulzberger reflected on how the media landscape has evolved since 1993 - a period of optimism characterized by the apparent end of Cold War divisions, the emergence of fledgling democracies, and technological advancements in information and connectivity. News organizations also enjoyed "historic financial strength" and seemed well positioned to inform the public.

'Avalanche of misinformation'

He said the moment was short-lived as the same technology that allowed journalists to reach people everywhere also forced many thousands of newspapers to close, and digital outlets that emerged were unable to fill the void, particularly in providing critical local and investigative reporting.

"The Internet also unleashed the avalanche of misinformation, propaganda, punditry and clickbait that now overwhelms our information ecosystem, often drowning out credible journalism and accelerating the decline in societal trust," he said.

Media censorship and control

Mr. Sulzberger warned that erosion of the free press is almost always followed by democratic erosion.

"And sure enough, this period of weakness for the press has coincided with destabilized democracies and emboldened autocracies. And when democracy erodes, you can be sure that the free press will be the first target," he said.

"All over the world autocrats and those who aspire to join their ranks have used censorship, media repression, and attacks on journalists to consolidate power. That's because gaining control of information is essential to gaining control of everything else," he added.

He provided examples from across the globe, including Russia, where "journalists who dare to even acknowledge the war in Ukraine face long prison terms."

He also highlighted the case of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested in Yekaterinburg last month for alleged spying, saying the former Times journalist "remains in Russian custody for sham charges and should be released."

Support independent journalism

Mr. Sulzberger told UN Member States that countering the worldwide assault on the press will only be solved if they take action.

"For nations with a strong tradition of a free press, including the United States, this means leaders standing up to secure legal protections for independent reporters and their sources," he said.

"For nations where reporting the truth remains perilous, this means the international community must make clear that we'll call out and punish the crackdowns and attacks against journalists no matter where they occur."

He further emphasized the need to address the challenges facing the press, including developing clear financial models for sustaining independent journalism.

"We still need a commitment from the digital giants to elevate independent journalism and ensure it stands apart from untrustworthy information on their platforms," he added. "And we still need more of the public to value independent journalism enough to support it with their time, their money and their trust."

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Freedom of the press under attack worldwide

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Disinformation, hate speech and deadly attacks against journalists are threatening freedom of the press worldwide, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday, calling for greater solidarity with the people who bring us the news. |

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The UN held its first conference to combat the rise of disinformation online, one of the factors contributing to safety issues for journalists. The conference, with at least 55 states working together to create regulatory initiatives called for a "global approach" to disinformation "based on human rights." As information disruption serves to discredit journalists thereby breaking down the institutions of a free press.

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More than 4,300 people participated in the Internet for Trust Conference, organized by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO), which will launch the guidelines in September.

The three-day event marked the latest phase in the global dialogue to develop regulatory solutions for social media to improve the reliability of information and promote human rights online.

Fertile ground for falsehoods

"The blurring of boundaries between true and false, the highly-organized denial of scientific facts, the amplification of disinformation and conspiracies - these did not originate on social networks. But, in the absence of regulation, they flourish there much better than the truth," UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay warned in her opening speech.

She urged countries to act together so that information remains a global common good, stating that "only by taking the full measure of this technological revolution can we ensure it does not sacrifice human rights, freedom of expression and democracy."

No facts, no truth

Speakers such as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winner, journalist Maria Ressa from the Philippines, addressed participants.

" Lies spread faster than facts. For some reason, facts are really boring. Lies - especially when laced with fear, with anger, with hate, with tribalism - us against them. They spread. It's like throwing a lit match into kindling," said Ms. Ressa in her keynote speech.

She cautioned against tolerating social media algorithms which reward lies, as future generations will inherit a world in which truth has been dangerously devalued.

"Without facts, you can't have truth, without truth, you can't have trust, and we have no shared reality," she said.

Disinformation as 'ammunition'

In his message to the Conference, the Brazilian President, who is known as "Lula", recalled the violent attacks last month against democratic institutions in his country.

"What happened that day was the culmination of a campaign, initiated much earlier, and that used lies and disinformation as ammunition," he said.

"To a large extent, this campaign was nurtured, organized, and disseminated through digital platforms and messaging apps. This is the same method used to generate acts of violence elsewhere in the world. It must stop."

Top YouTube influencer Felipe Neto, who also is from Brazil, shared his experiences with extremist content pushed by algorithms, but stressed that the aim is not to shut down digital platforms.

"It's about accountability, stopping impunity, bringing them to the table, and saying 'you need to be responsible for the mistakes you've made and that you're going to make," said Mr. Neto, who has more than 44 million online followers.

Global response required

Currently, at least 55 countries are working on regulatory initiatives, according to UNESCO. However, Ms. Azoulay advocated for a coherent, global approach based on human rights, noting that if regulations are developed in isolation, they are doomed to fail.

"Information disruption is by definition a global problem, so our reflections must take place at the global scale," she said.

The UNESCO chief closed the conference by urging all countries to join its efforts to transform the internet into a tool which is truly at the service of the public and that helps assure the right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to seek and receive information.

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Internet for Trust Conference discusses guidelines for online platforms

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The first-ever conference to discuss draft global guidelines for regulating digital platforms ended on Thursday in Paris with a call to uphold the right to seek and receive information in the face of rising disinformation online. |

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In the last decade, there have been some major shifts with regard to free media, and freedom of expression. Namely, the situation for journalists, according to the 2023 World Press Freedom Index demonstrates the worsening conditions for journalists in some of the top countries for media freedom. As of 2023, there are no countries in America with a good situation, and as of now, 545 journalists have been detained around the world with 56 total journalists and media workers killed. Of the violence committed against journalists, the majority comes from outside of war zones. Contributing to the worsening conditions for journalists, however, is the digital space in which disinformation is being used to "tamper with content", and undermine journalists. Furthermore, in countries such as Afghanistan, journalists are facing further censorship and restrictions on information access despite being party to various human rights treaties protecting these rights.

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Through research, Amnesty International is documenting cases of human rights violations violating the freedom of expression to create awareness around the issue. Similarly, Amnesty is calling for "Prisoners of conscience around the world" to be released, and for laws against the incitement of violence and discrimination to further protect freedom of expression. Similarly, Amnesty is calling for the restriction of governments and companies abilities to obtain information about individuals

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Overview

Your voice matters. You have the right to say what you think, share information and demand a better world. You also have the right to agree or disagree with those in power, and to express these opinions in peaceful protests.
Exercising these rights - without fear or unlawful interference - is central to living in an open and fair society; one in which people can access justice and enjoy their human rights.

Yet governments around the world routinely imprison people - or worse - for speaking out, even though almost every country's constitution refers to the value of 'free speech'.

Governments have a duty to prohibit hateful, inciteful speech but many abuse their authority to silence peaceful dissent by passing laws criminalizing freedom of expression. This is often done in the name of counterterrorism, national security or religion. More recently, freedom of expression has come under threat by authorities clamping down on activists, NGOs and individuals helping refugees and migrants.

How governments tolerate unfavourable views or critical voices is often a good indication of how they treat human rights generally.

Amnesty International supports people who speak out peacefully for themselves and for others - whether a journalist reporting on violence by security forces, a trade unionist exposing poor working conditions or an indigenous leader defending their land rights against big business. We would similarly defend the right of those who support the positions of big business, the security forces and employers to express their views peacefully.

We consider anyone put in prison solely for exercising their right to free speech peacefully to be a prisoner of conscience and call for their immediate and unconditional release.

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Why is freedom of expression important?
The right to freedom of expression is enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which sets out in broad terms the human rights that each of us has. It was later protected legally by a raft of international and regional treaties.
Defending freedom of expression has always been a core part of Amnesty International's work and is vital in holding the powerful to account. Freedom of expression also underpins other human rights such as the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion - and allows them to flourish.

It is also closely linked to freedom of association - the right to form and join clubs, societies, trade unions or political parties with anyone you choose; and freedom of peaceful assembly - the right to take part in a peaceful demonstration or public meeting.

However, these very freedoms come under regular attack by governments that want to stifle criticism.

For example, in Egypt it is currently extremely dangerous to criticize the government. Over the course of 2018, the authorities arrested at least 113 individuals citing a host of absurd reasons including satire, tweeting, supporting football clubs, denouncing sexual harassment, editing movies and giving interviews.

Those arrested have been accused of "membership of terrorist groups" and "disseminating false news". Detained without trial for months, those who eventually faced trial were sentenced by military courts, even though military trials of civilians, in Egypt as elsewhere, are inherently unfair.

Press freedom

A free press reporting on the issues that interest us and shape our lives is a key building block of any rights-respecting society. Yet in Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Venezuela to name just a few countries, journalists face repression and attacks.

In June 2019, Tanzania's parliament fast-tracked the passing of the Written Laws Bill, which would entrench censorship, among other violations. Journalists in the country already operate within the tight confines of a media law that requires media houses to "broadcast or publish news or issues of national importance as government may direct".

In July 2019, the libel trial began in the Philippines against Maria Ressa, the executive editor of online news outlet Rappler. Ressa, a prominent critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested in February 2019 on trumped up libel charges after Rappler published detailed investigations into some of the thousands of extrajudicial executions committed by police and unknown armed persons, with Duterte's explicit encouragement, during drugs-related operations. Her case is widely seen as an attack by the government on press freedom.

During conflict, repression can get worse, such as in Myanmar where journalists investigating the killing of Rohingya men and boys by security forces in Rakhine State were arrested and jailed, before being freed under international pressure.

Freedom of speech

Freedom of speech, or freedom of expression, applies to ideas of all kinds, including those that may be deeply offensive. While international law protects free speech, there are instances where speech can legitimately restricted under the same law - such as when it violates the rights of others, or, advocates hatred and incites discrimination or violence.

However, any restrictions on freedom of expression must be provided by law, protect certain public interests or the rights of others and, be clearly necessary for that purpose. .

In 2018, Amnesty International published research that found that Twitter is a platform where violence and abuse against women flourish, often with little accountability. Instead of the platform being a place where women can express themselves freely and where their voices are strengthened, Twitter leads women to self-censor what they post and limit their interactions. As a company, Twitter is failing its responsibility to respect women's rights online by inadequately investigating and responding to reports of violence and abuse in a transparent manner.

The digital frontier

The digital world gives many more of us access to the information we need, including to challenge governments and corporations. Information is power and the internet has the potential to significantly empower the world's seven billion people.

But freedom of expression today still often depends on wealth, privilege and our place in society. Those who are rich and powerful are seldom restricted in expressing their views.. Similarly, those who have their own laptops with broadband, have far greater access to information than those who have to walk miles to an internet café.

Increasingly, some states try to build firewalls around digital communications, or in the case of Egypt, Sudan and Zimbabwe among others, respond to mass street protests with an internet shutdown. Iran, China and Viet Nam have all tried to develop systems that enable them to control access to digital information. In India's northern Kashmir region, mobile Internet and communications are suspended in response to any unrest. At Amnesty International, we are continually finding new ways to stop our website being blocked in China.

Governments are also using dangerous and sophisticated technologies to read activists and journalists' private emails and remotely turn on their computers' camera or microphone to secretly record their activities. In 2014, Amnesty and a coalition of human rights and technology organizations launched ' Detekt ' - a simple tool that allows activists to scan their devices for surveillance spyware.

What is Amnesty doing to protect the freedom of expression?

Case study: Poland and the right to protest

Amnesty International has documented how people in Poland have taken to the streets to express their opinions despite restrictive legislation combined with heavy-handed policing, surveillance, harassment and prosecution which threaten to strangle the right to peaceful protest.

Since 2016, tens of thousands of people have protested against repressive legislation aimed at curbing women's rights and undermining the independence of the judiciary. Protesters have routinely been met with a show of force and restrictive measures that infringe their right to be seen and heard. Hundreds have found themselves in police custody and facing lengthy court proceedings.

In parallel with tightening the laws affecting the exercise of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, the government has vastly expanded the surveillance powers of law enforcement agencies with evidence that these expanded powers have been used against people engaged in organizing and participating in peaceful protests.

Case study: Surge in Vietnamese prisoners of conscience

In 2019, Amnesty released shocking research showing that the number of prisoners of conscience unjustly jailed across Viet Nam had sharply risen by a third in signs of a growing crackdown on peaceful activism by lawyers, bloggers, human rights defenders, environmental activists and pro-democracy campaigners.

The prisoners' detention conditions remain appalling with evidence of people being tortured and otherwise ill-treated, routinely held incommunicado and in solitary confinement, kept in squalid conditions and denied medical care, clean water and fresh air.

Many prisoners of conscience were jailed for comments made on social media platforms and were targeted using the vague and overly broad provisions of the penal code.

One prisoner of conscience is Tran Hoang Phuc. A pro-democracy and environmental activist, he was arrested in June 2017. Tried and convicted on charges of 'conducting propaganda against the state' for making and sharing videos perceived to be critical of the government on social media, he was sentenced to six years in prison, followed by four years under house arrest.

The Solution: What is Amnesty calling for?

Prisoners of conscience around the world should be released immediately and unconditionally.

All laws criminalizing people who speak out or protest peacefully, should be struck off the law books.

Laws against hate speech or other incitement to discrimination and violence must not be used to repress peaceful dissent.

People should have access to information, and the power of governments and companies to obtain information about individuals and organisations must be restricted.

Take our Human Rights Academy course, Speaking out for Freedom of Expression, to learn more and take action.

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We've been defending the right to freedom of expression since 1961.

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Defending freedom of expression has always been a core part of our work, it helps protect all our other rights.

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U.S. Mission to the EU Joint statement by Mark Gitenstein and Vice President Vera Jourova

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U.S. Mission to the EU Joint statement by Mark Gitenstein and Vice President Vera Jourova

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In a statement given by Ambassador Mark Gitenstein and Vice President of the European commission for Values and Transparency explain the vital importance of free press in promoting democracy by "fostering transparency and providing citizens with the information to make informed decisions." They explain that the EU created ProtectDefenders.eu to give journalists support if they are in a high risk environment. Similarly, the Commission proposed legislation to protect media freedom and the independence of media through "the Media Freedom Act" which would combat interference in the media by political or private actors."

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Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Strategy for promoting freedom of expression in Norwegian foreign and development policy

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Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Strategy for promoting freedom of expression in Norwegian foreign and development policy

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Similarly, the leading state in media freedom, Norway and their Ministry of Foreign Affairs laid out a comprehensive strategy for promoting freedom of expression in its foreign policy. They explain that, their work promotes human rights "through participation in international and regional organizations, through bilateral dialogue, and by providing support to civil society organisations and human rights defenders."

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UN General Assembly Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council regarding the safety of journalists 

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UN General Assembly Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council regarding the safety of journalists 

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The UN General Assembly resolution from October 12, 2012 emphasizes the need to protect journalists and media workers by condemning violence against journalists, calling for all member states to respect the rights of reporters and create a safe environment for journalists through a variety of civil and legislative measures.

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Under the protection of various multilateral treaties such as the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, and other regional multilateral conventions, states are obligated to protect the freedom of expression. This right is also specifically addressed in the UDHR under article 19 which states, "everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression," and it established that any person may "seek receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers." Similarly, through general assembly resolutions such as the one above, the UN Human Rights Council attempts to establish norms of governmental behavior regarding the protection of journalists through legislative and civil actions. However, regional treaties such as the American Convention on Human Rights, and the African Charter on Human and People's Rights allow for the suspension of freedom of expression in accordance with the law, and for matters of security. Similarly, they allow for censorship in specific matters.

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Currently, states such as Norway are promoting a free and safe press through, first and foremost, spreading awareness of human rights via their work with multilateral organizations and through IGOs such as the UN. Similarly, the EU is promoting legislation that would hold governments in their organization accountable for protecting the independence of journalism and safety of journalists in its member states. Furthermore, NGO's such as Amnesty International, and Reporters without borders continue to monitor and research the situation for the safety and freedom of journalists across the world by establishing ratings for media freedom to publicize the issue and advocate for further actions to protect journalists and media workers.

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Though journalists are afforded protections under various sources of international law such as the ICCPR, and other regional treaties, journalists are faced with worsening conditions around the world. Though the UN and other international bodies are actively working to address these issues, they face a variety of constraints. As the UN and other international organizations can address the issue through resolutions, recommendations, and statements, there is no active enforcement body to make sure that states will respect the human rights of journalists. Of course they monitor the situation via treaty monitoring bodies and NGOs take on a similar role of advocacy and research, however, the lack of ability to actively enforce the the treaties due to state sovereignty creates weak measures for holding those that commit violent actions against journalists responsible. Similarly, as demonstrated by the different regional treaties, different international organizations such as the African Union and EU have different priorities for the protection of freedom of expression. While States such as Norway, and organizations such as UNESCO call for a unified global standard for the protection of independent and free media, there are inconsistencies in the priorities of states and regional bodies in the protection of journalists.

Similarly, as highlighted by Amnesty International and other sources, in many countries violent actions against journalists often go unpunished. While the international bodies can advocate against impunity for violent actions against journalists, it is up to individual states to end impunity for violent actions against journalists. Furthermore International organizations are attempting to establish ways to deal with disinformation because of its impact on the situation faced by journalists. With the rise of online media, journalists face rising hostile environments. Take for example, journalists such as Maria Ressa, who have fallen victim to propaganda campaigns and disinformation. With the rise of disinformation and online media, the question remains, how to protect freedom of expression, while actively preventing disinformation meant to undermine journalists exercising that very right.