United Nations Invoking global peace icon Mahatma Gandhi's message on freedom of the press, UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis called on countries to reaffirm their commitment to protecting journalists and media workers around the world.
In a post on World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Francis said attacks on press freedom undermine democracy. In the face of misinformation, disinformation and the environmental crisis, society needs the independence, expertise and integrity of independent media more than ever.
He said, "In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, 'Freedom of the press is a priceless privilege which no country can give up.' On #WorldPressFreedomDay, let's reaffirm our commitment to the safety of journalists and media workers around the world.,
Francis, President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, said in his message that freedom of the press – a core component of the right to freedom of expression – recognizes the right of journalists and media organizations to work independently and impartially report the news. gives. Without censorship or intimidation.
He expressed concern that journalists and media workers around the world are increasingly at risk – from abduction and torture to arbitrary detention and losing their lives at an alarming rate, whether as casualties of war or deliberately by State authorities. To be targeted.
“As we honor those who this day are members of the fifth estate who have died in your service, let us commit to protecting all journalists and media workers – a commitment to promote inclusive media coverage As a paramount obligation, including informing and educating society on current environmental issues,” he said.
Francis called on member states to uphold and respect freedom of expression, protect journalists as well as media workers, and prioritize ending impunity."Ensuring accountability for attacks and harassment of journalists and media workers is critical to upholding democratic values globally," he said.
In an age of widespread misinformation and disinformation, he said, society needs the independence, expertise and integrity of independent media more than ever.
In a post on World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Francis said attacks on press freedom undermine democracy. In the face of misinformation, disinformation and the environmental crisis, society needs the independence, expertise and integrity of independent media more than ever.
He said, "In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, 'Freedom of the press is a priceless privilege which no country can give up.' On #WorldPressFreedomDay, let's reaffirm our commitment to the safety of journalists and media workers around the world.,
Francis, President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, said in his message that freedom of the press – a core component of the right to freedom of expression – recognizes the right of journalists and media organizations to work independently and impartially report the news. gives. Without censorship or intimidation.
He expressed concern that journalists and media workers around the world are increasingly at risk – from abduction and torture to arbitrary detention and losing their lives at an alarming rate, whether as casualties of war or deliberately by State authorities. To be targeted.
“As we honor those who this day are members of the fifth estate who have died in your service, let us commit to protecting all journalists and media workers – a commitment to promote inclusive media coverage As a paramount obligation, including informing and educating society on current environmental issues,” he said.
Francis called on member states to uphold and respect freedom of expression, protect journalists as well as media workers, and prioritize ending impunity."Ensuring accountability for attacks and harassment of journalists and media workers is critical to upholding democratic values globally," he said.
In an age of widespread misinformation and disinformation, he said, society needs the independence, expertise and integrity of independent media more than ever.
