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UN releases an Address on the World Press Freedom Day

May 3, 2011

UN secretariat releases the special address on the world press freedom day.
 “When governments repress their people and shield themselves from scrutiny, press freedom is among the most powerful vehicles for exposing wrong deeds and upholding public trust. When people face discrimination and marginalization, access to media can give them a voice and create a shared awareness of their plight. And in an era of pressing global challenges, the free exchange of information and ideas through the media can connect people and countries in networks of a common cause,” – states the address.

UN meets the world press freedom day with a new slogan – “new frontiers, new barriers.” The address talks about the new media, cell phones which give wider possibilities for exchange of information. It also talks about the barriers being imposed by States, including cyber-surveillance, digital harassment and censorship on the Internet.

According to UN, in 2010 six journalists of new media have been killed. And in 2008, for the first time, more “online reporters,” were in jail than those working in traditional media.

The end of the address recalls the article 19 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

According to UN, this is one of the principles of democracy and development.

May 3 is the World Press Day. This day was established by the Windhoek Declaration in 1991 in Namibia. After two years by the participation of African journalists it turned into the World Press Day by the UN.

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