The World Press Freedom Day celebration will take place on 3 May, Friday, 2024 all over India.
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated every year on 3 May to celebrate the basic principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom in the world, defend the media against attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives. Let’s see why and how World Press Freedom Day is celebrated, which is the history of press freedom, its significance, and the theme of press freedom in 2019.
World Press Freedom Day 2024
The United Nations General Assembly announced May 3 as World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of press freedom for its operation, and provision of information, and its importance, and to awaken the government’s duty to freedom of expression to defend. According to the International Journalists Federation (IFJ), at least 95 journalists died or died in their work in 2018. The number of deaths is higher than in 2017 but not higher than in 2006 with 155 deaths.
The 30th World Press Freedom Day celebration in 2024 will be chaired by UNESCO, the African Union Commission, and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
History of the World Press Freedom Day
In 1976, independent journalists founded the World Press Freedom Committee to promote and defend press freedom, covering 44 media organizations around the world. This organization is based in Argentina. He is a member of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange, which works with several other press freedom organizations, human rights experts, and journalists.
In order to reflect on the freedom of the press internationally, the United Nations General Assembly took the initiative in 1993 to organize World Press Freedom Day. This day was the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration.
Why is World Press Freedom Day celebrated?
World Press Freedom Day celebrates the basic principles of press freedom to assess the value of press freedom in the world and to protect the media from attacks on their independence. The day is also celebrated to greet the journalists who lost their lives on duty.
This is an event to inform citizens about violations of press freedom – noting that in many countries around the world, publications are sanctioned, suspended, censored, and closed, while editors and journalists are attacked, arrested, harassed, and even murdered. It is an ideal time to develop and promote press freedom initiatives and to assess the state of press freedom in the world.
World Press Freedom Day Celebrations
– Several cultural events determine the importance of press freedom.
– The initiatives of several countries are coordinated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and serve primarily as an organizing partner to promote freedom of expression.
– UNESCO has honored deserving organizations, individuals, or institutions that have made a commendable contribution to promoting and defending the freedom of the press worldwide.
– Various officials and ministers participate in the organization of several events like Art Exhibitions and honorary prize for journalists who risked their lives on this day in India.
Press freedom is when it means something to criticize and defy freedom – George Orwell
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This right includes the freedom to represent opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and share information and ideas across all media and borders. – Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
We all know that the media plays a crucial role in each country’s development. He is not only aware of what is happening around him but also of the events that affect his life. Freedom of the press must be taken seriously as the safety of journalists in providing the information is essential in the performance of their duties. In addition, freedom of expression and expression should be respected.
The Theme of the World Press Freedom Day
- The theme of the World Press Freedom Day 2023 is “Windhoek Declaration”
- The theme of the World Press Freedom Day 2022 is “Journalism under surveillance”
- The theme of the World Press Freedom Day 2020 is “Journalism without Fear of Favor”
- The theme of the World Press Freedom Day 2019 is “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Misinformation”.
- The theme for 2018 was “Domination of Power: Media, Justice and the Rule of Law”.
- The theme for 2017 was “Critical Spirits in Times of Crisis: The Role of the Media in Promoting Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies”.
- The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2016 was “Access to information and fundamental freedoms – you are right!”
- The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2015 was: “Let journalism blossom – on the road to better information, equality and security in the digital age”.
- The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2014 was “Media Freedom for a Better Future: Shaping the Post-2015 Development Agenda”.
- The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2013 was “Safe Speaking: Ensuring Freedom of Speech in All Media”.
- The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2012 was “New voices: media freedom in the service of transforming societies”.
- The theme of World Press Freedom Day in 2011 was “21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers”.
- The theme of World Press Freedom Day in 2010 was “Freedom of Information: The Right to Know”.
- The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2009 was “Dialogue, Mutual Understanding, and Reconciliation”.
Famous quotes on freedom of the press to celebrate the World Press Freedom Day
“The freedom of the human mind is recognized in the right to free speech and free press.” – Calvin Coolidge.
“Freedom of the Press, if it means anything at all, means the freedom to criticize and oppose.” – George Orwell.
“Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” – Thomas Jefferson.
“We have to uphold a free press and freedom of speech — because, in the end, lies and misinformation are no match for the truth.” – Barack Obama.
“Freedom of the press belongs to the people of a nation, not to the owners of publications.” – A. J. Liebling.
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| May Social Events | Date of Celebration |
| International Labour Day | 1st May |
| World Press Freedom Day | 3rd May |
| International Midwives Day | 5th May |
| World Asthma Day | 5th May |
| World Thalassemia Day | 8th May |
| World Red Cross Day | 8th May |
| National Technology Day | 11th May |
| Mother’s Day | 10th May |
| International Nurses Day | 12th May |
| International Day of Families | 15th May |
| World Hypertension Day | 17th May |
| World No Tobacco Day | 31st May |