Today, May 3, marks World Press Freedom Day, annual observance aimed at celebrating and recognizing the work of journalists and media workers.
The day also raises awareness human rights, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law are the basis for a set of standards and initiatives that guide its internal and external actions in support of media pluralism, freedom of expression, and digitalization.
World Press Freedom Day was declared by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference.
This year's theme is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all Other Human Rights”.
In his message for World Press Freedom Day, UN Chief Antonio Guterres called for action to protect the freedom of the press and the safety of journalists.
He also urged the world to take more action to stop the lies and disinformation and also stop targeting truth and truth-tellers.
"Freedom of the press is the foundation of democracy and justice. It gives all of us the facts we need to shape opinions and speak truth to power. And as this year’s theme reminds us, press freedom represents the very lifeblood of human rights," Guterres said.
He continued: "But in every corner of the world, freedom of the press is under attack. Truth is threatened by disinformation and hate speech seeking to blur the lines between fact and fiction, between science and conspiracy."
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