The Guardian's editor-in-chief Katharine Viner on the threats to freedom of expression that face the media to mark Article 19 conference

Katharine Viner Photograph: The Guardian

Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of Guardian News & Media, has spoken about the threats faced by journalists around the world.

The comments, delivered on Thursday 30 November, marked the opening of a conference hosted by Article 19, the human rights organisation for freedom of expression. The event launched Article 19’s new Expression Agenda Report, which explores how freedom of expression and censorship has changed over time. The event coincided with the organisation’s 30th Anniversary.

In her remarks, Katharine set out how journalists face harassment, attacks and even killing for their work. She also outlined the role that technology has played, both in creating new possibilities for freedom of expression, but also in being used as a system of suppression and surveillance. She said:

“It is a searching time to be an editor, a journalist and a citizen – but also a privilege and a crucial responsibility for all of us who are grappling with these questions.

“It would be easy to feel despair in this moment. But, while that is an understandable response to the world we see around us – as journalists, I think it is not enough…

“Our duty as journalists is to use our clarity - and our imagination - to build hope in the societies in which we work. Our duty is to keep holding power to account, and to fight for press freedom around the world.”