The World Press Freedom Day is celebrated every year on May 3rd, commemorated globally to affirm the importance of press freedom. This day serves as a reminder to governments worldwide to respect their commitment to press freedom and provides an opportunity for everyone to appreciate the fundamental principles that underpin press freedom.
Origins of World Press Freedom Day
This significant day was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993, following a recommendation from the UNESCO General Conference. Notably, May 3rd also marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek – an important document outlining free press principles – making this day a fitting choice for a global celebration of press freedom.
Purpose of World Press Freedom Day
World Press Freedom Day serves manifold purposes. On one hand, it’s a day to celebrate the core principles guiding press freedom. It’s also a time to assess the state of press freedom globally and stand against any attacks on the media’s independence.
Importantly, this day is also dedicated to paying tribute to journalists who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. Their sacrifices highlight the possible dangers faced by those working in the media and underline the importance of protecting journalists’ rights.
Theme for 2020: Journalism Without Fear or Favour
Each year, World Press Freedom Day focuses on a particular theme relevant to the media landscape. In 2020, the central theme was “Journalism Without Fear or Favour.” To promote this theme, UNESCO initiated a global campaign across media and social media channels.
Expanding on this central theme, the sub-themes for the year included areas such as ensuring the safety of journalists (both men and women), advocating for journalism free from political and commercial influence, and emphasizing gender equality in all aspects of media.
Upcoming Events Post-Celebration
Following the annual celebration of World Press Freedom Day, a series of events are typically planned. These can include high-level dialogues focused on press freedom and tackling disinformation (especially relevant in the Covid-19 context), webinars, online discussions via digital platforms like Facebook Live, Youtube, and Microsoft Teams.
World Press Freedom Index 2020
Every year, the state of press freedom in various countries is evaluated through the World Press Freedom Index. Prepared by the global organization Reporters Without Borders, this index ranks countries based on their level of press freedom.
In the 2020 edition of the World Press Freedom Index, India was ranked 142nd, having dropped two places from the previous year’s ranking. This fact underscores the importance of these ongoing efforts to safeguard press freedom and ensure the media’s role as an independent body providing reliable information to citizens worldwide.
