World Press Freedom Day: May 3, 2014

    | April 28, 2014

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    The United Nations General Assembly has declared May 3 World Press Freedom Day. The special Day is designed to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press, and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.

    The right to freedom of the press is enshrined under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. May 3 marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek, a statement of free press principles created by African newspaper journalists in 1991.

    World Press Freedom Day 2014 focuses on three interrelated themes: the media’s importance in development; safety of journalists and the rule of law; and the sustainability and integrity of journalism.

    For more information about WPF Day, go to the UNESCO website, where you will find links to resources and discussions on the themes of the Day: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/international-days/world-press-freedom-day/homepage/.