On the 3rd of May, World Press Freedom Day is observedannually. The day is dedicated to the fourth pillar of democracy-The Press andsignifies the need for government and people to respect its freedom. Thereporters, journalists, photojournalists, and editors have always risked theirreputations and lives in order to expose the truth among citizens of thenation.
Press freedom is guaranteed by the constitution of democraticnations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
History
World Press Freedom Day originated in 1991 in Windhoekwhen an African journalist produced ideas encouraging press freedom in otherparts of the world known as the Windhoek Declaration. UNESCO adopted theWindhoek Declaration and aimed towards the development of a free, independent,and pluralistic press.
In 1993, United Nations General Assembly declared May 3rdas the World Press Freedom Day.
Significance
Standing in solidarity with all the journalists, editors,and reporters, World Press Freedom Day is observed. The day is celebrated toensure the safety of the press, discuss journalistic ethics. The day paystribute to journalists who gave their lives in order to reveal the truth anddisseminate information.
It’s the 21st Century and still, several nations limitPress Freedom. Some of these nations are China, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos,Eritrea, Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, and Cuba.
In World Press Freedom Index 2021, India ranks 142 out of180 countries. India is one of the largest democracies in the world however,every day several journalists are prevented from doing their jobs, censored,and are banned. Even many get imprisoned or killed just for speaking up againstevil.
Theme
The theme for World Press Freedom Day 2021 is‘Information as a Public Good.’ According to UNESCO, the theme cherishes theinformation as a public good and encourages exploring different ways todistribute information and strengthen journalism all around the world.