The World Press Freedom Day 2019 is observed on the 3 May 2019. It is being jointly organized by the UNESCO, African Union Commission and Government of Ethiopia. The year 2019 marks 26th celebration of the WPFD. The main event is being held at African Union Headquarters at Addis Ababa.
The World Press Freedom Day
It is observed to raise awareness about the importance of freedom of press and freedom of expression as the fundamental human rights. WPFD reminds governments of their obligation to respect and uphold right to freedom of expression defined under the Article 19 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.
Objective: It aims the celebrating fundamental principles of press freedom, assessing state of press freedom worldwide, defending media against attacks on their independence, and to pay tribute to the journalists who have lost their lives while doing their duty.
Theme for World Press Freedom Day 2019 was “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation”. It examines current challenges faced by media at the time of elections, and media’s potential in the supporting peace and reconciliation processes.
Background
In the December 1993 UN General Assembly (UNGA) following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference proclaimed that the 3 May as World Press Freedom Day. Since then is celebrated worldwide every year.
‘May 3’ was selected to commemorate adaptation of ‘The Windhoek Declaration’ (a draft by African journalists for development of a Free, Independent and African Pluralistic Press) on the 3 May 1991.
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