In a recent report to the U.N. General Assembly, U.N. investigator Irene Khan highlighted the increasing number of journalists fleeing their home countries in fear of political repression, violence, and conflict. Khan noted that the space for independent and critical media has been shrinking in many countries, leading to a rise in the number of journalists in exile. She emphasized the importance of free and diverse media in supporting democracy and holding the powerful accountable, especially in countries where such media outlets are severely constrained or absent.
While fleeing their countries allows exiled journalists to report and investigate freely, Khan pointed out that they often face numerous threats – both physical and digital – as well as legal challenges. Many journalists in exile live in precarious conditions, with limited legal status and inadequate support to continue their work. In some cases, the fear for their own safety and that of their families back home, along with financial struggles, can lead exiled journalists to abandon their profession. Khan highlighted how exile can be used as a form of press censorship, silencing critical voices and further restricting freedom of expression.
Khan emphasized the existence of international legal protections for journalists in exile, ranging from professional reporters to bloggers publishing online. However, the failure of states to respect these obligations under international law poses a significant challenge. Khan highlighted the experiences of journalists fleeing countries like Afghanistan, Belarus, China, and Iran, facing threats even outside their borders. She mentioned the case of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist who was brutally murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, as a prominent example of transnational repression.
In addition to physical threats, Khan addressed the rise of digital transnational repression against journalists. She described how online attacks, including death threats, smear campaigns, and digital surveillance, have increased over the past decade. The use of spyware to access journalists’ devices without their knowledge has become a common practice, leading to further intimidation and censorship. Khan pointed out that exiled journalists also face legal threats from their home countries, including the possibility of investigation, prosecution, and extradition on trumped-up charges.
Khan called on countries hosting exiled journalists to provide them with visas and work permits, as well as better protection from physical and online attacks. She stressed the need for long-term support from civil society and press freedom groups to ensure the safety and well-being of exiled journalists. Khan also highlighted the importance of companies ensuring that technologies essential for journalism are not disrupted or weaponized against journalists. Overall, Khan’s report underscores the challenges faced by journalists in exile and the urgent need for increased protection and support for these individuals.
