Centre Seeks Commitment To Press Freedom

The International Press Centre (IPC), through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has joined the global community to commemorate World Press Freedom Day 2026, under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace.” This year’s theme underscores the critical role of a free, independent, and responsible media in fostering peace, strengthening democratic governance, and promoting social cohesion across nations.

Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, theWorld Press Freedom Day is celebrated around the world on 3 May every year as a reminder to governments of their commitment to press freedom and of the need to create a safe and conducive environment for journalism and media practice.

The IPC-SPJ Hub in 2025 documented not less than 23 cases of attacks involving twenty-eight (28) journalists and two media organisations. The attacks vary from threat to life, forceful invasion and closure, abduction, unlawful arrest and closure, intimidation and harassment, physical assault, murder, etc. In terms of gender disaggregation, 23 males, three females, and two not mentioned were recorded. For medium disaggregation, the online medium recorded the highest attacks with 16, the broadcast medium recorded ten (10), while the print medium recorded one.

Commenting on the theme for WPFD 2026 – “Shaping a Future at Peace”, Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, the International Press Centre, said, “At a time when the world continues to grapple with conflicts, misinformation, political instability, and growing threats to civic space, the role of the media as a pillar of truth and accountability cannot be overstated. Journalism remains an essential force in amplifying marginalised voices, countering disinformation, and facilitating informed public discourse—key ingredients for sustainable peace and development.”

Arogundade further stated, “However, the increasing risks faced by journalists and media professionals globally remain a serious concern. From harassment and unlawful detention to violent attacks and killings, these threats undermine not only press freedom but also the collective right of citizens to access credible information. Governments, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders must therefore prioritise the safety of journalists.”

The International Press Centre is therefore calling for renewed commitment to upholding constitutional guarantees of press freedom, strengthening legal protections for journalists, and promoting accountability for crimes against media professionals.