The World Press Freedom Day was observed on Friday to raise awareness among people that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right.
The World Press Freedom Day is organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on May 3 every year. Freedom of expression as a fundamental right is enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The UN chose to celebrate the event this year with the global theme “Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in All Media,” which focuses on the safety of journalists‚ the issue of impunity‚ and online safety. The UN is also stressing on implementation of the “UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity”.
The World Press Freedom Day gives people a chance to pay tribute to media professionals who risked or lost their lives in the line of duty.
Various communities‚ organisations and individuals arranged activities like art exhibitions‚ dinners featuring keynote speakers‚ and awards nights to mark this special day.
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 honour the work of an individual or an organisation defending or promoting freedom of expression‚ especially if it puts an individual’s life at risk. The award is named after a journalist murdered in 1986 after denouncing drug barons. Last year it was awarded posthumously to a Russian investigative reporter who was murdered in a contract-style killing in 2006.
