Global Press Freedom Suffers Sharpest Fall in 50 Years, Report Finds
A landmark report by the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) has revealed that press freedom around the world has suffered its sharpest decline in 50 years. According to the survey of democratic markers, democracy has declined in 94 countries over the last five years, while only a third have made progress.
The report's findings were announced earlier this month, with Kevin Casas-Zamora, secretary-general of IDEA, warning that democracy faces a "perfect storm" of autocratic resurgence and acute uncertainty. "Massive social and economic changes are creating an environment in which democratic institutions are under siege," he said.
The survey found that the United States has been encouraging populist leaders, contributing to the decline of press freedom globally. The report noted that many countries have seen a rise in authoritarianism, with governments increasingly using censorship and repression to maintain power.
Journalists demonstrated outside the EFE news agency offices in Bogotá, Colombia, earlier this month to denounce the killing of journalists in Gaza. Photograph: Mauricio Dueñas Castañeda/EPA
The decline of press freedom has been particularly pronounced in countries such as Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government has cracked down on media outlets and arrested numerous journalists. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration has faced criticism for its handling of the Kashmir region, which has seen a surge in censorship and repression.
The report's findings have been met with concern from human rights groups and press freedom advocates around the world. "This is a wake-up call for governments to protect key elements of democracy, including free speech and an independent media," said Maria Ressa, a Filipino-American journalist who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021.
The current state of global democracy has been described as "grim" by some experts. "We're seeing a decline in democratic values and institutions, which is having a ripple effect on press freedom," said Tom Malinowski, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
As the world grapples with these challenges, IDEA has called on governments to prioritize democracy and human rights. "We need to see more commitment from leaders to protect democratic institutions and promote transparency and accountability," said Casas-Zamora.
The report's findings are set to be discussed at a global conference in Stockholm next month, where experts and policymakers will gather to address the challenges facing democracy worldwide.
*Reporting by Theguardian.*
