Press Freedom Day : 03rd May

Every year on May 3rd, the world comes together to celebrate World Press Freedom Day, a vital occasion established by the United Nations in 1993. This day not only honours the fundamental principles of press freedom but also raises awareness of the ongoing struggles faced by journalists across the globe.

Background

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the 26th Session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991. This in turn was a response to a call by African journalists who in 1991 produced the landmark Windhoek Declaration.

The Windhoek Declaration is a benchmark for ensuring press freedom around the world. It began at a seminar in Windhoek in 1991, but the ideas exchanged by the African journalists and media professionals acted as a catalyst to encourage press freedom, independence, and pluralism in Africa and other parts of the world.

After 30 years, the historic connection made between the freedom to seek, impart, and receive information and the public good remains as relevant as it was at the time of its signing. It is an opportunity to:

Celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
Assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
Defend the media from attacks on their independence; and
Pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Theme of World Press Freedom Day 2024:- "A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis"