We Bring You the Truth
Free press allows for the general public to formulate their own reactions to news as it happens, not as the government says it happens. For the past years, many journalists lost their lives in support of free press. The United Nations General Assembly has declared May 3rd to be World Press Freedom Day. The purpose of this day is a reminder of the importance of a free press in a functioning and safe society. Also to remind governments that is their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression. Which is declared under the Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is also state on our first Amendment一Freedom of speech. It also marks the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, a statement of free press principles put together by African newspaper journalists.
Through the history, free press has helped many revolutions in developed countries and also to some extent in developing countries. But nowadays it's difficult for people to differentiate between free press and subservience press. Most of the times press are only allowed to tell us what our government wants us to know. Journalists and even firms altogether are not allowed to talk about simple topics like corruption, poverty, and surveillance. Since most of the press is either being blackmailed or chased. Eventually journalists are forced to not look for truth, but for sensational news. Many times there is no research behind news.
Every May 3rd, there’s an event lead by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to evaluate press freedom around the world. Also to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives for their profession. UNESCO leads these worldwide celebration by identifying the global thematic. Every year, The World Press Freedom Day has a different theme and and a different host country. UNESCO also tries to bring together media professionals, press freedom organisations, and UN agencies to discuss solutions for addressing challenges. Each conference is focused on a theme related to press freedom, including media coverage of terrorism, good governance, and the role of media in post-conflict countries.
This year’s event was hosted in Indonesia, Jakarta and its theme was Critical Minds for Critical Times. This theme was chosen since it coincides with the 2020 Development Agenda goal, which is to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, and provide access to justice for all.
Start writing a blog or a social media post on something that you feel strongly about. Freedom of speech is a crucial component of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. Nowaday, internet has facilitated us in many ways that just by a simple click, you could share ideas with a wide audience. You should take advantage of your rights.
Katerine Chung Chen