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In partnership with UNESCO in Brazil, ABERT launches a Report on Violations of Freedom of Expression
In partnership with UNESCO in Brazil, the Brazilian Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters (ABERT) launched today (10 March 2023) in BrasÃlia, Brazil, the Report on Violations of Freedom of Expression 2022. According to the Report's data, two journalists were murdered for exercising their profession in 2022. In addition, there were also 137 cases of non-lethal violence involving at least 212 professionals and media outlets. The number means that the Brazilian press suffers one attack every other day.
UNESCO views with great concern the growth of attacks against journalists while exercising their profession. It is always important to remember that a free press is the cornerstone of democracy. It is the duty of all of us to ensure that journalists are safe and protected in the practice of their profession because they are the ones who can guarantee that the news is accurate and true so we can have confidence in the information we consume.
In 2022, physical aggression was at the top of the list of violations of journalistic work. There were 47 cases against 34 in the previous year, a significant increase of 38.24%. The number of victims also rose from 61 to 74, an increase of 21.31%. The report also points to a higher incidence of various types of aggression in specific periods and with a political bias. The attacks in several Brazilian cities occurred, for the most part, in the days following the second round of the presidential election during the coverage of the protests against the result of the election, in defence of a military coup, and during the demobilization of camps in front of the barracks of the Army.
For UNESCO, a United Nations agency with a specific mandate to promote freedom of expression and, consequently, freedom of the press and freedom of information, these rights are crucial foundations for democracy, development, and dialogue, as well as pre-conditions for the protection and promotion of all other human rights.
Face-to-face and virtual cases of aggression, threats, intimidation, and attacks against journalists and media outlets in Brazil have been monitored by ABERT since 2012. The publication of the Report was supported by the National Association of Newspapers (ANJ), the National Association of Magazines (ANER), and the Open Word Institute. It also covers violation cases on freedom of expression in the country registered in 2022.
In comparison to 2021, the document points out a 5.52% reduction in the number of non-lethal cases and 7.83% in the number of victims.
There is no reason to celebrate. As long as a journalist is in the sights of those who try to shut up or disrupt the work of the press, freedom of expression will not be fully exercised.
Access the ABERT Report
Relatório sobre Violações à Liberdade de Expressão
