Press Release by the Sudanese Media Forum on the Occasion of World Press Freedom Day
On World Press Freedom Day: Sounding the Alarm on Horrific Violations Against Journalists and the Absence of Media Freedoms in Sudan
The world celebrates May 3 as World Press Freedom Day, a day to uphold the value of free speech and independent journalism as fundamental pillars of democracy and human rights. In this context, the Sudanese Media Forum reaffirms its commitment to defending press freedom but also expresses deep sorrow and grave concern over the dire reality faced by journalists and media professionals in Sudan, particularly since the outbreak of war on April 15, 2023.
The media landscape in Sudan has become a scene of grave dangers, where journalists and media workers face existential threats and systematic violence from conflict parties. The Forum, alongside other human rights and media organizations, has documented a horrific series of violations against journalists, including:
Killings and Direct Targeting: We have lost dear colleagues who perished while performing their professional duties or as victims of the conflict, whether through direct targeting or random violence. These acts constitute war crimes and blatant violations of international humanitarian law, which provides special protection for journalists in conflict zones.
Arbitrary Arrests and Enforced Disappearances: Many journalists have been arbitrarily arrested by warring parties, detained in inhumane conditions, and subjected to torture and ill-treatment, while the fate of others remains unknown after enforced disappearances.
Threats and Intimidation: Journalists attempting to cover events objectively face persistent threats of murder, arrest, or harm to themselves and their families, forcing many to cease work or impose severe self-censorship.
Displacement and Disruption: The war has displaced large numbers of journalists internally and externally, depriving them of homes and livelihoods, while media institutions have been scattered, weakening their ability to continue their work.
These direct violations coincide with an almost complete absence of press freedom and freedom of expression in vast areas of Sudan. Severe restrictions have been imposed on media coverage, information has been deliberately withheld, and the offices of many media institutions have been closed or destroyed. A climate of fear and repression has prevented journalism from fulfilling its role in conveying the truth, exposing violations, and informing the public.
As a result of this regressive and hostile climate for press freedom, the World Press Freedom Index has ranked Sudan 156th (out of 180 countries), a decline of seven places from the previous year.
Targeting journalists and silencing the media is not merely an assault on individuals or a profession but an attack on the right of the entire Sudanese society to knowledge and truth, undermining any hope for peace, justice, and accountability.
Therefore, on World Press Freedom Day, the Sudanese Media Forum:
Strongly condemns all violations against journalists and media professionals in Sudan, including killings, arrests, threats, and intimidation. Thirty-one journalists have been killed, eight while performing their duties. Sixty-seven journalists have been assaulted, with 33 shot. Sixty-nine have been arrested while working or at militia checkpoints, and some were taken from their homes. This has led to the displacement of 1,000 journalists to safer areas within the country, while 500 have fled across borders seeking asylum.
Calls on conflict parties to immediately cease all forms of targeting against journalists and media workers and to ensure their safety and protection in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Demands the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained journalists and disclosure of the fate of those forcibly disappeared.
Urges the international community, including the United Nations, the African Union, and international human rights organizations, to intensify pressure on conflict parties to halt violations and conduct independent investigations to hold perpetrators accountable for crimes against journalists. To date, no investigations have been conducted into the killings of any journalists.
Affirms the vital role of free and independent journalism in uncovering truths, documenting violations, fostering dialogue, and promoting peace and reconciliation in Sudan.
Expresses full solidarity with all Sudanese journalists, both women and men, who continue their courageous work under these extremely dangerous conditions, whether inside Sudan or abroad.
The Sudanese Media Forum will continue monitoring violations and relentlessly defending press freedom and journalists rights, believing that Sudan has no future without a free and responsible media.
Sudanese Media Forum
May 3, 2025
