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World Press Freedom Day falls tomorrow:

Freedom of information: The right to know

Freedom of expression is a basic human right, laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 19 of the Declaration says the fundamental right of freedom of expression encompasses the freedom "to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of any frontier". Freedom of expression and its related component, press or media freedom come into focus of the world on May 3 when the World Press Freedom Day is observed. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in keeping with its Constitution, promotes the basic rights of freedom of expression and press freedom.

Since its inception in 1945, the organisation has been calling on all parties to promote the free flow of information throughout the world. It is the only UN agency with the mandate to promote freedom of expression and freedom of the press. UNESCO contributes to foster the free exchange of ideas and knowledge and the free flow of ideas through words and images.

These are the guiding principles of the organisation and are part and parcel of its core mandate. The World Press Freedom Day celebrates media freedom, raises awareness about violations against the right to freedom of expression and draws attention to the work of journalists around the world who face death and jail for carrying out their duty of bringing out news to the public. It also pays solemn tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The event is spearheaded by UNESCO with the objectives of fostering the reflection and exchange of ideas on the freedom of information to advance empowerment, transparency, accountability and fight against corruption and the key obstacles the effective exercise of the right to know face in today's digitised world. It calls on member states to reaffirm and implement international commitments to guarantee and promote the freedom of information and to remind civil society organisations, other stakeholders and news media of their part in it.

The theme for this year is 'Freedom of Information: the Right to Know' which emphasises the right of the public to be informed of issues which matter to them. As Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova said in her message for World Press Freedom Day, "The Day is based on the principle that organisations and governments have a duty to provide information to those who want it. The provision of such information is vital for transparency, justice and development".

This year's event will highlight the importance of freedom of information as an integral part of freedom of expression and its contribution to democratic governance.

The main celebrations will take place in Canberra, Australia.

The right to freedom of information could be curtailed by factors such as the lack of resources and adequate infrastructure as well as deliberate obstruction. At the same time, faster and cheaper technology has made it easier than ever before to access information.The United Nations recognised the freedom of information in 1946 which is now enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and American Convention of Human Rights. The first law regarding freedom of information was passed more than two centuries ago.

May 3 was declared as the World Press Freedom Day in 1993. The move stemmed from the UNESCO General Conference, which, by a resolution made in 1991 on the 'Promotion of press freedom in the world', had recognised that a free, pluralistic and independent press was an essential component of any democratic society.

The date commemorates the Windhoek Declaration on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press, adopted on May 3, 1991 by the Seminar on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press, organised by UNESCO and the UN in Windhoek, Namibia. - IT

 

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