World Press Freedom Day

Today is UNESCO World Press Freedom Day, therefore I wanted to take a brief moment to thank all of the journalists and press officials who work around the globe, especially those who risk their lives to bring us stories of oppression and conflict. Today is a day to remember the grave violations against freedom of press that are faced in many countries across the globe. The freedoms of the press that are taken for granted in Western countries are violated daily in many countries where publications continue to be censored or suspended and closed down. Many journalists, editors and publishers risk their lives as they are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered for working to report the truth.

May 3rd was proclaimed World Press Freedom Day by the UN General Assembly in 1993 after a recommendation which was adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991. Every year, May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of freedom of the press;

to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

Judith McHale, U.S. undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs, offered a tribute to journalists worldwide in observance of UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Day. “Journalism is a calling of everyday heroes. Of brave souls who speak out where silence and fear are the allies of tyrants. Of dedicated citizens who insist that there is more to an issue that others overlook as insignificant. Of dogged advocates who will not rest until the truth is exposed and injustice righted,” she said. Click here to read the full statement via the U.S. Department of State.