Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights so when it is safe to speak, the whole world benefits, said United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in his message on World Press Freedom Day.
The World Press Freedom Day is being observed today to inform the international community that freedom of the press and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights. The day reminds people that many journalists brave death or face jail to bring daily news to the people. The day gives people the chance to pay tribute to media professionals who risked or lost their lives in the line of duty.
Moon called on all the people to do their utmost to enable journalists in the media to do their job. He said freedom of expression was a cornerstone of good governance, sustainable development, and lasting peace and security.
Yet every day around the world, journalists and media workers are under attack. They face intimidation, threats and violence from governments, corporations, criminals or other forces that wish to silence or censor, Moon said.
Moon said journalists in traditional print and electronic media and on newer and more popular social media were increasingly at risk. “Over the past decade, more than 600 journalists have been killed – at least 120 in the past year alone,” he said, adding, the dangers were not only physical: from cyber-attacks to bullying, the powerful are deploying numerous tools to try to stop the media from shedding light on misrule and misdeeds.
The UN secretary general said the tragedies were of individuals but they were collectively an assault on the right of all people to the truth. “I am especially concerned that so many of the perpetrators escape any form of punishment,” he said.
The United Nations has come up with “Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity,” he informed, adding the plan aimed at raising awareness and to support practical steps to create a free and safe working environment for journalists.
As we mark World Press Freedom Day, the UN secretary general said, “let us pledge to do our utmost to enable all journalists in all media to do their jobs.”
The World Press Freedom Day was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1993. Each year since 1997, the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom
Prize is awarded to honor the work of an individual or an organisation defending or promoting freedom of expression, especially if it puts the individual’s life at risk.