The three countries warned that global press freedom continued to decline, while journalists faced increasingly complex and interconnected threats both online and offline. These included armed conflicts, widespread misinformation and disinformation, shrinking civic space, and rapid technological changes.
They strongly condemned all violations against journalists, including killings, attacks, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, intimidation, torture and harassment. They also highlighted persistent impunity, noting that the vast majority of crimes against journalists remained unpunished. The statement called for the effective implementation of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, stressing that accountability was an obligation under international law.
The countries also expressed concern over authoritarian regimes undermining press freedom through censorship, criminalisation of journalism and systematic restrictions on independent media. They called for the immediate and unconditional release of all journalists who were arbitrarily detained or unlawfully held.
In conflict situations, they stressed that journalists must be respected and protected as civilians, condemning deliberate attacks and restrictions that severely hinder free and independent reporting.
The statement also highlighted the rise of gender-based violence and misogynistic hate speech targeting women journalists. It linked the theme of World Press Freedom Day 2026, “Shaping a Future of Peace,” to the importance of inclusive, diverse and reliable information ecosystems.
Finally, the three countries noted that digital technologies present both opportunities and risks, calling for human rights-based governance frameworks. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring journalism remains a force for peace, democracy, resilience and sustainable development.
