- Date and Purpose: Celebrated annually on May 3rd, World Press Freedom Day commemorates the fundamental principles of press freedom and honors journalists worldwide. It emphasizes the importance of a free and independent press and advocates for the freedom of expression globally.
- Declaration: Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, following recommendations from the UNESCO General Conference, the day marks the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration. This declaration emphasizes the principles of a free press and calls for an independent and pluralistic media environment.
- Objectives: The day provides an opportunity to celebrate press freedom, assess its status globally, defend media independence, and honor journalists who have lost their lives while reporting. It also aims to raise awareness about the importance of free and independent media in democratic societies.
- Significance: In a world plagued by misinformation and disinformation, World Press Freedom Day highlights the crucial role of a free press in combating these issues. It serves as a reminder of the media’s role in upholding democratic values and the need to protect journalists from violence, censorship, and intimidation.
ALSO READ: Police unveil school protection squad in Kano - Activities: Each year, World Press Freedom Day is marked with events and conferences worldwide. In 2024, Chile and UNESCO will host the 31st World Press Freedom Day Conference in Santiago from May 2nd to 4th.
- Theme: The theme for World Press Freedom Day 2024 is “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis”. This underscores the crucial role of journalism and freedom of expression in addressing global environmental challenges.
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media.
In a nutshell, World Press Freedom Day emphasizes the indispensable role of journalism in ensuring peace, sustainable democracy and equal access to information, and also underscores the necessity of ensuring press freedom worldwide.
