World press freedom day today

Today, the international community celebrates the World press freedom day. In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 as World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It was on May 3rd, 1991, in Windhoek, capital of Namibia, the Windhoek Declaration, statement of free press principles, had been signed, calling the governments of other countries in the world to ensure press freedom and democracy. This year, the main celebration of World Press Freedom Day will take place in Addis Ababa, from 1 to 3 May 2019. The event will provide a platform for multiple actors to exchange on current issues, threats and achievements concerning freedom of the press. On occasion of the world press freedom day, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) points out that less than ten percent of the world’s population is now living in countries where journalists enjoy a favourable environment and are able to practice their profession freely and independently.