World Press Freedom Day | Theme, History, Celebrations, Facts

 World Press Freedom Day

Canada's Foreign Secretary Chrystia Freeland (L), Barrister and UK Foreign Office Special Envoy on Media Freedom Amal Clooney (C) and Director General of UNESCO Audrey Aouzlay(Getty)

World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3rd, following its establishment by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. Its aim is to increase awareness about the significance of press freedom and to prompt governments to recognize their responsibility to safeguard and honor the right to freedom of expression, as outlined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Various events, conferences, and seminars have been organized globally to celebrate World Press Freedom Day and raise awareness about the challenges that journalists encounter in their work. Although the theme for the 2023 celebration has not been announced yet, the day presents an opportunity to appreciate the fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluate the status of press freedom worldwide, protect the independence of media from attacks, and commemorate journalists who have lost their lives while performing their duties.

Editorial cartoonists Hungarian Gabor Papai (L) and Ukrainian Vladimir Kazanevsky (R) pose after they received the Kofi Annan Courage in Cartooning Award during a ceremony at the World Press Freedom Day in Geneva(Getty)

Press freedom plays a critical role in promoting democracy, accountability, and transparency in governance. However, in many regions, journalists are confronted with censorship, harassment, violence, and even death in the course of their work. World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder of the need to preserve and promote press freedom, and to defend journalists' right to report on matters of public interest without fear of retaliation.

When did World Press Freedom Day start?

President of the World-wide Association of Periodicals Bengt Braun delivers a speech at the opening of the conference Freedom of Press 12 June, 2000 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.(Getty)

May 3, 1993 marked the establishment of World Press Freedom Day by the United Nations General Assembly, aiming to raise consciousness about the critical significance of press freedom and to prompt governments to fulfill their responsibility to safeguard and honor the right to freedom of expression, in accordance with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The day has been celebrated annually on May 3 to support press freedom and spotlight the hurdles encountered by journalists globally.

Who started World Press Freedom Day?

The conference room of the UN General Assembly in New York City(Getty)

The United Nations General Assembly started World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 1993, with the objective of raising awareness about the importance of press freedom and reminding governments of their duty to protect and uphold the right to freedom of expression, which is enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

How do we celebrate World Press Freedom Day?

World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3rd to promote press freedom and raise awareness of the challenges faced by journalists around the world. There are various ways to celebrate this day, some of which include:

Hosting conferences, workshops, and seminars to discuss issues related to press freedom and journalism.

Organizing exhibitions to showcase the work of journalists and media organizations.

Holding award ceremonies to recognize the achievements of journalists who have contributed to promoting press freedom and human rights.

French Force Ouvriere (FO) union general secretary Frederic Souillot (C) listens to French CGT trade union General Secretary Sophie Binet (L) addressing media, after talks between France's Prime minister and inter-unions representatives at the Hotel de Matignon in Paris on April 5, 2023(Getty)

Publishing articles and editorials that highlight the importance of press freedom and the need to protect the rights of journalists.

Sharing information on social media about the importance of press freedom and the challenges faced by journalists in different parts of the world.

Conducting campaigns to raise awareness of the threats faced by journalists, such as censorship, harassment, and violence.

Holding protests and rallies to demand greater press freedom and better protection for journalists.

These are just a few examples of how World Press Freedom Day can be celebrated. The day serves as an opportunity to come together and reaffirm our commitment to protecting press freedom and promoting the right to freedom of expression.

What is the theme for World Press Freedom Day 2023?

World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3rd, and this year's theme is "Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights" (working title). The theme emphasizes the pivotal role of freedom of expression in safeguarding and promoting all other human rights.