News

World Press Freedom Day: tribute to all those who fight for freedom of expression

03-05-2012

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton today paid tribute to "all those who fight for the respect of freedom of expression and for free, pluralistic press and other media" in a message issued to mark World Press Freedom Day, 3 May.
 
"Freedom of expression as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human rights entails everyone’s right to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers," the High Representative said in her message.
 
"Censorship and harassment of editors, writers, journalists or bloggers are unacceptable, as are the use of violence and state induced arrests inflicted upon them," said Ashton; adding that the EU "commends the courageous work of journalists who, in often highly precarious conditions, continue to provide independent information".
 
"The EU calls on all states to guarantee the safety of journalists and to allow them to carry out their vital role of reporting and commenting on events in an independent manner without fear of violence and recrimination."
 
She stressed that freedom of expression also extended to the internet and other media, "and the EU is firmly opposed to any unjustified, disproportional restrictions of access to or use of these media".
 
Every year, 3 May is set aside to mark the fundamental principles of press freedom, in an international day proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993..
 
A press pack produced by the EU Neighbourhood Info Centre highlights the EU's commitment to press freedom in the neighbourhood. It details EU actions in support of journalists and the media – funding projects that range from journalism training and networking to journalistic productions and visits – as well as a number of regional media awards, recognising the contribution of journalistic work to democracy and human rights.
 
In defence of online freedom of expression and in the wake of the Arab Spring, the EU last December also launched its 'No Disconnect Strategy', which aims to protect internet access as a driver of political freedom. (EU Neighbourhood Info)
 
Read more
 
Ashton statement
 
EU Neighbourhood Info Centre press pack
 
UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2012
 
EU Neighbourhood Info Centre webpage – Audiovisual & Media
 
EU Neighbourhood Info Centre – Journalists’ Handbook
 
Regional Information and Communication Programme
 
European Commission Audiovisual and Media Policies
 
 
 

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