UNB, Dhaka :
The World Press Freedom Day will be observed in the country as elsewhere across the world today.
The theme of this year’s day is “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation”.
This year’s theme discusses current challenges faced by media in elections, along with the media’s potential in supporting peace and reconciliation processes.
The day will also examine concerns such as the safety of journalists and how they can better push back against a growing climate of disinformation.
The World Press Freedom Day is annually observed on May 3 to inform all that freedom of press and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights.
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the United Nation General Assembly in 1993 following a recommendation adopted at the 26th session of Unesco’s General Conference in 1991.
On the occasion, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “No democracy is complete without access to transparent and reliable information. It is the cornerstone for building fair and impartial institutions, holding leaders accountable and speaking truth to power.”
He urged all to defend the rights of journalists, whose efforts help build a better world for all.
Meanwhile, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) noted with satisfaction a decrease in the number of journalists killed so far in the year compared with the same period last year.
It said close to a 56 percent decrease registering 20 victims in 12 countries from 1rst January to 30 April against 46 during the same period last year, using the same yardstick which is the lowest figure since 2006, said a press release.
PEC Secretary General Blaise Lempen applauded the decrease and said, “It could be a reason to be hopeful if the decline continues rest of the year. The lower intensity of conflict in Syria and Iraq contributed to this decrease. In addition the continuous engagement of governments, associations and civil society in favor of the issue of the safety of journalists has certainly produced positive effects.”
The World Press Freedom Day will be observed in the country as elsewhere across the world today.
The theme of this year’s day is “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation”.
This year’s theme discusses current challenges faced by media in elections, along with the media’s potential in supporting peace and reconciliation processes.
The day will also examine concerns such as the safety of journalists and how they can better push back against a growing climate of disinformation.
The World Press Freedom Day is annually observed on May 3 to inform all that freedom of press and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights.
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the United Nation General Assembly in 1993 following a recommendation adopted at the 26th session of Unesco’s General Conference in 1991.
On the occasion, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “No democracy is complete without access to transparent and reliable information. It is the cornerstone for building fair and impartial institutions, holding leaders accountable and speaking truth to power.”
He urged all to defend the rights of journalists, whose efforts help build a better world for all.
Meanwhile, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) noted with satisfaction a decrease in the number of journalists killed so far in the year compared with the same period last year.
It said close to a 56 percent decrease registering 20 victims in 12 countries from 1rst January to 30 April against 46 during the same period last year, using the same yardstick which is the lowest figure since 2006, said a press release.
PEC Secretary General Blaise Lempen applauded the decrease and said, “It could be a reason to be hopeful if the decline continues rest of the year. The lower intensity of conflict in Syria and Iraq contributed to this decrease. In addition the continuous engagement of governments, associations and civil society in favor of the issue of the safety of journalists has certainly produced positive effects.”
