World Press Freedom Day observed on 3 May

The World Press Freedom Day 2019 is observed on 3 May 2019. It is being jointly organized by UNESCO, African Union Commission and Government of Ethiopia. The year 2019 marks 26th celebration of 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 importance of freedom of press and freedom of expression as fundamental human rights. WPFD reminds governments of their obligation to respect and uphold right to freedom of expression defined under Article 19 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.
Objective: It aims celebrating fundamental principles of press freedom, assessing state of press freedom worldwide, defending media against attacks on their independence, and to pay tribute to 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 supporting peace and reconciliation processes.

Background

In December 1993 UN General Assembly (UNGA) following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference proclaimed 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 3 May 1991.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2019