On this day in history: World Press Freedom Day was declared

World Press Freedom Day is observed to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.

This was enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the day marked the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek, a statement of free press principles put together by African newspaper journalists in 1991.

The context for this declaration was the many dangers and pressures faced by journalists working in Africa and other conflict regions. In addition, it was an acknowledgement of the changing political landscape with the end of the Cold War. Thus it was an attempt by journalists to enshrine and honour the role of media in society. This in the face of intimidation, assassination and censorship that even now, gnaws at the roots of society and seeks to dominate and control information.

Despite this declaration being adopted by the United Nations, the position of the media in many countries is still quite perilous.

This year’s theme is “Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms – This Is Your Right!” Here’s what the UNESCO Director-General had to say about last year’s theme:

Source: SA History