World Press Freedom Day 3rd May 2021
- On May 3 2021, World Press Freedom Day has been celebrated all over the country.
- This year’s theme of World Press Day is ‘Information as a good public’. This theme emphasizes to view the important information of the press from the perspective of public interest.
- In December 1993, following the recommendation of the UNESCO General Conference, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution to observe May 3 as World Press Freedom Day. Since then, it is celebrated annually on 3 May worldwide.
- ‘World Press Freedom Day’ also marks the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration. ‘The Windhoek Declaration’ is a draft of African journalists for the development of an independent and African pluralistic press.
World Press Freedom Day
- Every year, the purpose of World Press Freedom Day is to spread awareness among the people about the importance of freedom of press and media.
- In the democratic system, the press is considered as the ‘fourth pillar’ of democracy. The press/media is considered to play an important role in ensuring accountability of the government and bringing the voice of common people to the administration. As such, the freedom of media is considered very important for it to work efficiently.
- World Press Independence Day reminds governments of their obligation to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as defined under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – 1948.
Source – The Hindu
