Qatar Press Center urges stronger national media, protection for journalists on Press Freedom Day
Doha, Qatar — Marking World Press Freedom Day, the Qatar Press Center urged a stronger national media role to confront misinformation and renewed its call for comprehensive protection for journalists, warning of rising violations amid a culture of impunity.
In a statement issued to mark the occasion, the Center reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and safeguarding journalists’ right to carry out their duties independently and responsibly. It described a free and responsible press as a cornerstone of resilient societies and a driver of justice, transparency, and the rule of law.
Citing growing security challenges across the region and intensified disinformation campaigns, it stressed the urgent need to bolster national media to counter fake news and malicious rumours that undermine public trust and spread fear.
The Center renewed its appeal to the international community, human rights organisations, media bodies, and UN agencies to uphold their responsibilities in ensuring comprehensive protection for journalists, particularly in conflict zones where risks have escalated significantly.
It warned that increasing violations are being fuelled by a culture of impunity and lack of accountability. Paying tribute to journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty, the statement noted that 129 media workers were killed worldwide over the past year, the highest toll recorded in decades, according to credible international reports.
A large proportion of these deaths occurred in armed conflict settings, and the Center pointed to a concerning rise in the deliberate targeting of journalists, including through drone attacks. The Center dedicated special recognition to journalists in Gaza, describing them as symbols of extraordinary courage and professionalism.
Since the outbreak of what the Center described as a war of genocide, 262 journalists, among them 38 women, have been killed in Gaza, reflecting what it termed a systematic targeting of media professionals. It also noted that around 22 journalists remain detained in Israeli prisons, in what it described as a grave violation of international laws and conventions protecting press freedom.
The statement underscored that the persistent absence of accountability remains a key driver of such violations, warning that failure to bring perpetrators to justice sends dangerous signals that threaten freedom of expression and the future of journalism globally.
It added that pressures on media worldwide are increasing, reinforcing the need for robust, responsible national media and stronger international protections.