May 3, 2021 marks the 30th Anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. It is a day for governments across the world to respect their commitment to freedom of the press. Media professionals reflect on the issues that occur in press freedom and professional ethics. Furthermore, World Press Freedom Day supports media targeted for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom. This day also remembers journalists who have lost their lives while chasing a story.
Origin of World Press Freedom Day
In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed May 3 World Press Freedom Day following a recommendation at the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) General Conference in 1991.
May 3, 2021 also marks the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration. The Windhoek Declaration is a statement of free press principles. The African newspaper journalists in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, wrote the declaration in 1991. The African journalists created The Windhoek Declaration to help shed light on the problems they were facing when printing stories. Journalists were threatened imprisonment for writing a story or their stories were censored.
How to Celebrate
Each year the UNESCO decides on a theme for World Press Freedom Day. This year’s theme is “Information as a Public Good.” The theme stands for the importance of cherishing information as a public good and how to strengthen journalism as a whole. This theme can be related to all countries across the world. The 2021 Global Conference hosted by UNESCO and the Government of Namibia will take place April 29-May 3. The Conference will focus on the challenges the online media environment faces and the safety of journalists and their working conditions. You can be part of the conference by going online to register and be part of the keynotes, film screenings and forums.
Today is as good a day as any to remember how important freedom of the press is.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Info Sources: UNESCO, World Association of News Publishers, RepublicWorld.com, United Nations and MISA
Image Source: Bonnier
