17 journalists killed during 2004
ISLAMABAD – May 3, is World Press Freedom Day, to remember and stress importance of free Press in a free society and time to honour those nations that embrace one of democracy’s most essential rights.
The day is being observed in commemoration with the anniversary of the 1991 signing of the ‘Windhoek Declaration’ in Africa that calls for free, independent and pluralist media in every country.
The theme decided for this year Press Freedom Day is Reporting and Under-reporting: Who Decides? Highlighting World Press Freedom Day, the Committee on Information will commence its morning session of work on May 3 to the Day with a two-part event. Opening session will be addressed by Kofi Annan, Secretary-General, United Nations Organisations (UNO) Iftekhar Ahmed Chaudhry, Chairman, United Nations Committee on Information, Viviane F. Launay, Director, UNESCO Liaison Office in New York, and Tony Jenkins, President, United Nations Correspondents Association.
Followed by the inaugural session a panel discussion wesenting the media, non-governmental organizations and the United Nations.
Participants will speak on role of world media in covering global issues and examine ‘perception of audience interest, commercial considerations, lack of resources or other reasons that determine editorial choices and the extent of news coverage.
Around the globe, journalists routinely face censorship, imprisonment and assault. Many have given their lives “36 in 2003, at least 17 more this year” in pursuit of truth.
According to the New York based Committee to Protect Journalists, another 136 were jailed in each of the past two years as a direct result of their work.
World Press Freedom Day is an occasion to celebrate nations where media are free, it also should be used to spotlight societies where suppression and repression thrive.
PPI add: United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has said that information is, undoubtedly, a source of power. In a statement issued by him on World Press Freedom Day, he said those who have access to a free and independent media have more options, as well as the information they need to take better advantage of them.
World Press Freedom Day is an important reminder of the contribution that journalists play in the information age, especially in the protection of human rights and the promotion of development, he opined. This day is also one on which we should remember and pay tribute to journalists who have been killed in the line of duty, or whose reporting has led to their imprisonment and detention, he observed.
Source: The Nation
Date:5/3/2004
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