Dear reader, if you’re reading this, it means I’ve died.

I’ve been very fortunate. I was born in a European country that, although still under Franco’s regime, soon began to progress economically, socially and politically. Luck made my destiny infinitely easier than that of millions of children born in regions of the world ravaged by hunger, poverty and war.

I can’t complain. How can I knowing these historical injustices, seeing what is happening even now, in Africa, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Yemen, Iran or in Palestine? My last thought will be of the children massacred in Gaza and the Palestinians who face a terrible future. I will die without understanding why the international community remained impassive while Israel perpetrated a genocide, broadcast live, minute by minute, massacre by massacre.

I became a journalist because I believed that reporting rigorously and honestly could improve this world. I made mistakes, put up with things that I should have rejected. I have not been a perfect journalist. But I have never lied, manipulated, or concealed information. In my reporting I have tried to hold those in power to account, and to give a voice to those who lacked one. Voices for the victims; criticism for the perpetrators. No neutrality. No ambiguity.

I learned what I consider to be the two principles of journalism. The first is that objectivity is not the same as neutrality. If there is an aggressor and a victim, a liar and an honest person, a corrupt individual and an honourable one, your task is to describe all that clearly and forcefully. I’m sick of those who believe that being a journalist means reporting both sides’ versions when you know that one side isn’t telling the truth.

The second principle is that to be a good journalist, it’s vital that you’re a good person.

I always add a third. Journalism is not just another profession. Freedom, equality and democracy depend on our work. There are no excuses for lying or concealing information. If we do, we should be held professionally, and even criminally, responsible.

There are politicians driven by corruption and power. We must fight against them, but from within politics itself because everything in life is politics. Beware of those who attack political parties, trade unions and democracy. The alternative to democracy is dictatorship. The alternative to political parties and trade unions is a single-party system and a state-controlled union. The path is not the one the global far right is showing us.

I have dedicated the last stage of my life to researching the recent history of Spain. Meeting survivors of Nazi and Francoist concentration camps has been one of life’s greatest gifts. Victims repeated that fascism had not died, that it was waiting to resurface. Be aware of history. Looking back shows you that freedom, life and democracy are never guaranteed. Fight every day to preserve them.

I’ll finish now. Dear reader: savour life, be happy, value what truly matters, flee from toxicity, and show lots of empathy.

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Courtesy of Guardian News & Media Ltd.