20 Anniversary of World Press Freedom Day, United Nations commemoration campaign calls for security of journalists

May 3 This year, the world will jointly celebrate the "World Press Freedom Day" set up 20 years. The United Nations Headquarters in New York has held a special commemoration to this end, calling on the international community to act to protect the security of all journalists throughout the world and to break the vicious circle of impunity. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UNESCO Director-General Bokova also issued a joint statement calling on governments, society and individuals to do their utmost to protect the safety of all practitioners of traditional media and network platforms.

Speaking at the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, held at Headquarters in New York 2nd, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, enshrined in article 19th of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is one of the pillars of good governance, sustainable development, lasting peace and security. However, attacks on journalists and media workers are occurring on a daily basis throughout the world. Over the past decade, more than 600 journalists have been killed, with at least 120 people last year, many of whom were killed in reports of conflict-fighting situations.

"I condemn all attacks and repression against journalists," Mr. Ban said. I am particularly concerned about the phenomenon of the killer's escape from the French Open. 90% of journalists were not punished, and numerous media workers were subjected to intimidation, threats, arbitrary detentions and torture, but often recourse to law. To this end, the United Nations system has developed a plan of action on the security and impunity of journalists and is actively engaged in coordinated action and advocacy to support States ' adherence to international principles and the enactment of laws on freedom of expression and freedom of information. I hope that countries will take concrete action to create a safer environment for the media. ”

In a joint message to the World Press Freedom Day, Bokova, director-General of UNESCO, noted that the theme of this year's campaign is to secure and protect the freedom of expression in all media, which must include both traditional and digital worlds, which are increasingly becoming conduits for the production of news and consumer news. Blogs, citizen journalists, social media providers and their sources are all facing mounting security threats. In addition to personal danger, these media are also subjected to cyber attacks, leaked data, intimidation, improper surveillance and violation of privacy, in the form of psychological and spiritual violence.

This year's "World Press Freedom Day" celebration will be held in Costa Rica. At that time, UNESCO will issue the Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Award. The award was created by the UNESCO Executive Board in 1997 and is awarded annually to individuals or organizations defending and promoting freedom of expression, particularly at risk, in various parts of the world. The winners, who were elected this year by the Independent International Review Board, are Ethiopian female journalist Llotte-Alemoux (Reeyot Alemu) imprisoned in prison.

In 1991, countries adopted a declaration at the Namibia Windhoek Conference on Freedom of Information development in Africa, emphasizing the importance of independent information in the development and maintenance of democracy and economic development. According to the recommendations of UNESCO, the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993 decided to celebrate the day of the adoption of the Windhoek declaration, namely May 3, "World Press Freedom Day", as a basis for celebrating the fundamental principles of freedom of expression, defending media independence and paying tribute to journalists who had sacrificed their lives at work.