World Press Freedom Day being observed today
World Press Freedom Day gives people the chance to pay tribute to media professionals.
(WEB DESK) - World Press Freedom Day is being observed today (Friday) to inform the international community that freedom of the press and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights.
This year, the global theme to mark this day is "Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in All Media" which focuses on safety of journalists‚ the issue of impunity‚ and online safety. There is also a special focus on the implementation of UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
World Press Freedom Day gives people the chance to pay tribute to media professionals who risked or lost their lives in the line of duty.
Many communities‚ organizations and individuals take part in this day through various events such as art exhibitions‚ dinners featuring keynote speakers‚ and awards nights to honor those who risked their lives to bring news to the world.
World Press Freedom Day was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1993 as an outgrowth of the Seminar on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press. This seminar took place in Namibia in 1991 and led to the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration on Promoting Independent and Pluralistic Media.
Each year since 1997‚ the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize is awarded to honor the work of an individual or an organization defending or promoting freedom of expression‚ especially if it puts
the individual s life at risk.
The award is named after a journalist murdered in 1986 after denouncing drug barons. Last year it was awarded posthumously to a Russian investigative reporter who was murdered in a contract-style killing in 2006.
In a message on the occasion‚ President Asif Ali Zardari has called for urgently devising a plan of action for the protection of journalists against violence and threats while performing professional duties.
He also called for the adoption of an appropriate and effective Freedom of Information legislation.
The President reiterated his commitment to the freedom of media with responsibility and also to the protection of journalists from violence and threats of violence.
The President urged the government to vigorously pursue investigations and prosecution of cases of violence against media persons and punish the perpetrators of crimes in accordance with the law.
