UN Chief calls for strengthening of press freedom on World Press Freedom Day

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called on governments to strengthen press freedom and protect journalists as World Press Freedom Day is observed around the globe, today May 3, 2018.

“Promoting a free press is standing up for our right to truth,” he said.

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference.

Since then, May 3 is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.

Guterres said a free press is essential for peace, justice and human rights for all.

“It is crucial to building transparent and democratic societies and keeping those in power accountable. It is vital for sustainable development,” he said. “Journalists and media workers shine a light on local and global challenges and tell the stories that need to be told. Their service to the public is invaluable.”

He called for laws to protect journalist and freedom of expression.

“Laws that protect independent journalism, freedom of expression and the right to information need to be adopted, implemented and enforced,” Guterres noted. “Crimes against journalists must be prosecuted.”

According to the UN World Press Freedom Day gives 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.

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4 Comments

  1. Massacre
    May 3, 2018

    The pres is not free in Dominica because the media people in DBS have to verify everything by the DLP Gov’t before it is broadcast on air.

  2. Jonathan Y St Jean
    May 3, 2018

    I know he wasn’t talking to Skerritt but over his head.Remember that Skerritt is running a sovereign country and doesn’t want anyone to tell him how to run his country.Isn’t that what Skerritt said when the issue of World Bank assistance to farmers controversy?better yet corruption came up.

  3. Ibo France
    May 3, 2018

    On this occasion of World Press Freedom Day, l make this appeal for the relevant authorities to ‘free up’ DBS. Allow differing political views to compete. This can only redound to the benefit of the country. A well informed citizenry is best for democracy to strive and flourish. DBS belongs to all Dominicans not any one political party. It has been used almost exclusively by the Labor Party’s propagandists to spread their misinformation to bend minds in their favor. There is no doubt that DBS has an unholy alliance with the DLP. DBS should be giving the people unvarnished information by ensuring objectivity in what it broadcasts.
    If UWP, DFP, P-POD or any other political party were in government and bar other political voices from the State-controlled radio station, they too should be emphatically condemned.

  4. Property
    May 3, 2018

    There is freedom. Just listen to the radio every single moringing. What you can’t do is defame someone or incite violence against someone

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