Your right to know: Why journalism and access to information matter more than ever

TODAY is both World News Day and the Intemational Day for Universal Access to Information — a good time to remember that if we lose our fundamental universal right to access to information, and if independent journalists lose the ability to report the facts, then our rights and democracies may vanish entirely.

- By DAVID WALMSLEY AND Dr. TAWFIK JELASSI

Access to information is a fundamental human right empowering us all to make informed decisions to participate in democratic processes, and hold our leaders accountable. It’s also critical for survival in a host of situations.

In a natural disaster, timely updates about evacuation routes, shelter locations, and weather conditions can mean the difference between life and death. In public health emergencies—as we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic—accurate information about symptoms, prevention methods, and treatment options helps people protect themselves and others. And in conflict zones, knowing which areas are safe and how to access humanitarian aid is vital.