What is the press freedom Day?
World Press Freedom Day celebrated on May 3 every year, highlighting the crucial role of press freedom in promoting democracy and development. This day serves as a reminder to governments worldwide of their duty to respect. And protect the right to freedom of expression, a fundamental human right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed the day in 1993, based on a recommendation put forth at the 1991 UNESCO General Conference.
World Press Freedom Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of press freedom. And the threats to journalists and media workers who report on issues of public interest. It is also an occasion to recognize the contributions of media professionals who work tirelessly to keep the public informed and hold those in power accountable.
In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s declaration of an international day for press freedom. UNESCO has arranged a special event at the UN headquarters in New York on World Press Freedom Day 2023.
Decline in Media Freedom and Increasing Challenges for Journalists
Over the past year, numerous countries have witnessed a decline in media freedom, with Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. The suppression of independent media by the Kremlin, state-led targeting of journalists in Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, surveillance of journalists in Venezuela, and the continuing oppression of journalistic freedoms in Myanmar being some of the main culprits. Some countries, like Turkey and Thailand, are approaching a crucial point where the fate of media freedom, democracy, and human rights hangs in the balance.
Journalists and media workers have confronted with unprecedented challenges in recent years. Ranging from online harassment and intimidation to physical violence and arrest. These challenges have a chilling effect on media and give authoritarian regimes room to grow. Women, LGBTQ+ reporters, and minority group members in the media are at a particularly high risk of such attacks. In a recent report, UNESCO noted that women journalists face even more difficulties just for doing their job. Including increased offline and online harassment, disproportionate and specific threats, and gender-based violence. Such as stigmatization, sexist hate speech, trolling, physical assault, rape, and even murder.
Theme of World Press Freedom Day 2023
This is the context in which we are celebrating World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) on May 3, 2023. WFPD’s theme this year is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for allother human rights.” This theme represents an inspirational vision for the future where human rights guaranteed through the work of journalists and free speech advocates.
To mark this special anniversary edition, a full day of events scheduled on May 2nd at the UN Headquarters. Media partners, academic institutions, and civil society organizations encouraged to host events worldwide, focusing on this year’s theme.
“Growing threat to press freedom highlighted on World Press Freedom Day”
For the past 30 years, the celebration of World Press Freedom Day has brought attention to the vital right of free expression. And highlighted various aspects of the significance of press freedom. However, amid numerous crises, there is a growing threat to media freedom, journalist safety, freedom of expression, and other human rights.
As we embark on the final decade to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and honor each Member State’s commitments to the planet’s future. World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder to refocus and reaffirm the importance of freedom of expression. This fundamental right is a prerequisite for the enjoyment of all other human rights.
Freedom of expression is one of” WhatsOn” most treasured values. And in observing World Press Freedom Day, we emphasize stories that often neglected in mainstream media coverage. Highlighting the perspectives of regular citizens, marginalized communities, and the work of local journalists.
