World Press Freedom Day: Strengthening Information Integrity in the Digital Age in BiH

(Patria) - On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina reaffirms its strong commitment to freedom of expression and independent, pluralistic, and professional media as cornerstones of democracy, accountability, and human rights protection.

In the context of rapid technological changes, growing polarization, and increasing pressure on the public information space, protecting press freedom means not only ensuring the safety of journalists but also strengthening conditions for informed public debate and democratic resilience.

This year's World Press Freedom Day theme, “Shaping a Future of Rights: Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms,” highlights the importance of an information environment that supports peaceful, inclusive, and democratic societies. It underscores the crucial role of journalists in producing reliable information, exposing disinformation, holding power to account, countering hate speech, and preventing narratives that deepen divisions.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, these challenges are increasingly shaped by the digital information environment. A 2025 study on the governance of digital platforms and online media, published by the South East European Network for Professionalization of Media (SEENPM) with UNESCO's support, points to growing pressures on media freedom related to the impact of digital platforms on news visibility and distribution, the economic vulnerability of independent, especially smaller, media outlets, and the influence of algorithms on how citizens access information and trust its accuracy.

In this context, the Coalition for Freedom of Expression and Content Moderation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, established in 2023 with UNESCO's support, contributes to strengthening coordinated responses to hate speech, division, and disinformation, and promotes a safer, more reliable, and responsible online environment.

As Bosnia and Herzegovina goes through an election year, media workers continue to face threats, intimidation, online abuse, and other forms of pressure that undermine their work and independence. Attacks on journalists, whether physical, verbal, or online, are a serious cause for concern, especially as they too often go unpunished. The lack of systematic investigations and accountability for these attacks contributes to fear and self-censorship.

The United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina calls on all relevant institutions to strengthen efforts in protecting journalists and to ensure timely, systematic, and effective investigation and prosecution of all attacks against them. Legal frameworks also need to be further strengthened to create a safer and freer environment for journalists to work.

Improving media freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina also requires a stronger focus on governing the digital space in a multi-stakeholder, human rights-based manner. This includes promoting transparency and accountability in the digital information space, protecting freedom of expression while addressing harmful online content, supporting media and information literacy, and ensuring that technological development, including artificial intelligence, serves the public interest rather than deepening manipulation, exclusion, or distrust.

On this day, we recognize the dedication and resilience of journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the same time, as we mark the 60th anniversary of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting freedom of expression, strengthening information integrity, and promoting an open, pluralistic, and human rights-based information space as a foundation for peace, democratic resilience, and sustainable development.