This speech was delivered by Heike Alefsen, Regional Representative for the Pacific at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), who served as the chief guest at the 2025 World Press Freedom Day celebration held at The University of the South Pacific on Monday, 5 May.
Press freedom as a cornerstone of human rights
On World Press Freedom Day, we are reminded that press freedom is a fundamental pillar of any functioning democracy.
It is a timely occasion, not only to celebrate the vital role of journalism but also to take stock of the pressures the profession faces—and Governments’ responsibility to protect it.
Media freedom is not an aspirational ideal, and not a secondary concern.
It is a human right and an essential condition for democracy, sustainable development, and the rule of law.
It is a prerequisite for public accountability, vibrant, inclusive, rights-respecting societies.
Independent journalism ensures transparency, combats disinformation, amplifies marginalized voices, and enables people to make informed decisions about their lives and governance.
In too many countries around the world, journalists face censorship, detention, and in some cases, death—simply for doing their jobs.
Media freedom in the Pacific
In the Pacific, the media landscape has been changing, in some countries for the better, and sometimes there are continuing concerns:
Here in Fiji, the repeal of the restrictive Media Industry Development Act in 2023 marked a critical turning point. The country’s leap in the World Press Freedom Index is a testament to the power of legal reform.
I commended the repeal of MIDA on World Press Freedom Day – in this very space – two years ago. I also encouraged other legal reforms, e.g. the sedition provisions of the Criminal Code.
We have raised this directly with Government and have found the responsible authorities to be open to consider this reform. Our office stands ready to help.
Across the region, many journalists work in environments where financial precarity, political interference and lack of institutional support exist.
We have heard from journalists who have seen attempts to influence their reporting, leading to self-censorship.
Harassment—especially of women journalists—unfortunately continues to be reported.
Discrimination against women journalists is routinely normalized, affecting both their safety and credibility.
This is compounded by the limited reach of regional media, challenges in accessing remote communities, and threats to digital security.
The impact of artificial intelligence on journalism
This year’s theme invites us to grapple with the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and media freedom.
AI must serve human rights—not undermine them. It must be used in a way that is transparent, accountable, and consistent with international human rights law.
Algorithm-driven platforms increasingly shape public opinion and distort perceptions of reality.
Some political actors exploit AI to spread disinformation and manipulate narratives for personal or political gain.
At the same time, in more and more countries governments are deploying AI technologies to surveil journalists and their sources, infringing on privacy and creating a climate of fear.
Compounding these risks, a handful of powerful corporations and individuals now control much of the AI infrastructure and influence the global media environment—able to amplify preferred messages or suppress dissenting voices.
The use of AI must be subject to human rights oversight.
Innovation cannot come at the expense of press freedom, privacy, or journalist safety.
OHCHR’s commitment to press freedom
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights stands in solidarity with journalists across the Pacific and around the world.
We support efforts to:
The international human rights mechanisms also continue to monitor and report on press freedom through our human rights mechanisms, including Universal Periodic Reviews, special rapporteurs and treaty body engagements.
Call to action and closing
World Press Freedom Day is a moment to celebrate.
But I reiterate the call of our UN High Commissioner for Human Rights – a call to action to ensure a free, independent, and diverse media can thrive—online and offline, in the Pacific and globally.
We renew protect journalists—not only in moments of crisis but in their daily work of informing the public and giving voice to the voiceless.
Thank you.
