World Press Freedom Day

OV Digital Desk
3 Min Read
World Press Freedom Day

Each year, 3 May is dedicated to celebrating the fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluating press freedom around the world, defending media freedom, and paying tribute to journalists who have lost their lives while undertaking their profession. World Press Freedom Day was declared by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted by UNESCO’s General Conference at its 26th session in 1991.

The third of May serves as a reminder that governments need to respect the importance of freedom of the press in their daily lives. In addition, this is also a day for media professionals to reflect on issues of freedom of the press and professional ethics. On this occasion, we should be able to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The theme of World Press Freedom Day

This year’s World Press Freedom Day theme “Journalism under digital siege,” spotlights the multiple ways in which journalism is endangered by surveillance and digitally-mediated attacks on journalists, and the consequences of all this on public trust in digital communications.

Origin and History of World Press Freedom Day

In December 1993, the United Nations General Assembly declared World Press Freedom Day, following the recommendation of the UNESCO General Conference that year. Throughout the world, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek has been celebrated every year on 3 May as World Press Freedom Day. The purpose of the day is to serve as a reminder to governments of the necessity to respect their commitment to press freedom.

In spite of the fact that almost 30 years have passed since the signing of the Freedom of Information Act, the historic connection made between the right to seek, impart and receive information and the public good remains as relevant today as it was thirty years ago

https://observervoice.com/important-days-and-dates-in-may-2022-6757/

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