Wednesday, 3 May 2023, marks World Press Freedom Day, an occasion that celebrates and advocates for press freedom and freedom of expression.
What is World Press Freedom Day?
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated this day in 1993 as an opportunity to recognise the importance of a free press in promoting and protecting human rights.
Over the past three decades, significant progress has been made towards enabling a free press and freedom of expression worldwide.
However, recent years have seen a concerning rise in attacks on media freedom and safety, which poses a threat to the realisation of human rights.
These attacks include crackdowns on critical voices and independent media, erosion of trust, and disinformation and fake news online.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Conference and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, serves as a call to action to reaffirm the importance of press freedom, as well as independent, pluralistic and diverse media, as the key to enjoying all other human rights.
The right to freedom of expression, which is enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is a driver for the enjoyment of all other human rights.
Press freedom and access to information are necessary to counter crises such as conflicts, socio-economic inequalities, and environmental challenges.
This year’s celebration of World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the link between press freedom, freedom of expression, and other human rights.
The press freedom multistakeholder community is encouraged to organise events that highlight this connection, including partnerships with organizations promoting environmental causes, women’s rights, children’s rights, indigenous rights, digital rights, and the fight against corruption.
On this occasion, it is important to recognise the critical role that a free press plays in protecting and promoting human rights and to continue advocating for press freedom and freedom of expression worldwide.