US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a World Press Freedom Day press briefing on Tuesday, where he said an independent press is the “cornerstone of any healthy democracy.” and “one of the most effective tools” to advance human rights. .

“Whether documenting unfair working conditions, corrupt or failing public services, discrimination against women and marginalized groups, abuses by security forces, accurate reporting shines a light on the parties of our societies that need to be fixed, that need to be enlightened,” Blinken mentioned.

Blinken became aware of the journalists who died while covering the ongoing war in Ukraine, including those associated with FoxNews and .

“The war of aggression against Ukraine is just one of many conflicts around the world where journalists are risking their lives right now, as we speak, as we come together, to report the news. “, did he declare.

He also highlighted the oppression suffered by journalists under repressive regimes. “All over the world, governments – as well as non-state actors like terrorist groups and criminal organizations – threaten, harass, imprison and attack journalists every week,” he said. “…When individual journalists are threatened, when they are attacked, when they are imprisoned, the chilling effects go far beyond their targets. Some media are starting to censor themselves. Others flee. Some stop reporting altogether.

He added: “When repressive governments go after journalists, human rights defenders, trade union leaders, other members of civil society are usually not far behind.”

The situation in Afghanistan received special mention, with Blinken warning that the Taliban have “systematically cracked down on Afghanistan’s independent press, especially women journalists and those working in rural areas”. He also referred to the alleged surveillance of journalists using the Israeli spyware Pegasus, saying they had been potentially targeted.

“The overwhelming majority of crimes against journalists around the world are perpetrated with impunity,” he said. He added that it sent a “clear message” to perpetrators that they could get away with such crimes.

Blinken concluded by thanking journalists around the world. “We are touched by your courage. We are impressed with your commitment to providing the public with the truth,” he said.

On Tuesday, media watchdog Reporters Without Borders released its world press freedom rankings. India’s ranking has fallen to 150 out of 180 countries this year, down from 142 in 2021 and 2022. The report describes India as “one of the most dangerous countries in the world for the media”. Among the countries mentioned by Blinken, Myanmar ranks 176th; Russia at 155; and Afghanistan at 156.