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2007 Programs and Events

World Press Freedom Day 2007

May 3, 2007

Every year, May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; and pays tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

May 3 was proclaimed World Press Freedom Day by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991.

It serves as an occasion to remind citizens of the importance of press freedom. It is a day to encourage and develop initiatives in favor of press freedom, and to assess the state of press freedom worldwide. It also serves as a reminder to governments of the need to remain committed to press freedom.

The United States views freedom of the press as a key component of democracy. The free exchange of ideas fosters accountable government and allows the viewpoints of many to be heard.

The Unites States works in many ways to support press freedom worldwide. The day is commemorated with many activities, programs and publications across the United States. The U.S. Consulate General will commemorate the day by honoring Palestinian journalists.

To learn more about the World Press Freedom Day, we encourage you to visit the below links.

Fact Sheet on Freedom of the Press

Background Essays on Freedom of the Press

Key Documents

  • The U.S. Freedom of Information Act, 1974: Requires federal agencies to publish descriptions of their procedures and operations to make certain categories of documents available upon request.
  • U.S. Constitution Amendment 1, 1791: Prohibits federal legislation abridging freedom of speech, religion, assembly and petition.
  • Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, 1990: Asserts a right to express freely one’s opinions in such manner as would not be contrary to the principles of the Shari’ah.
  • Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Asserts for everyone the rights of freedom of opinion and expression through any media regardless of frontiers.
  • Press Freedom on the Internet: Declares “news on the Internet is the same as news everywhere,” and says that internet media should be afforded the same rights as more traditional news organizations.
  • TUNIS COMMITMENT, 2005: Lays out principles for a system of international Internet governance, and for universal access to new information and communication technologies; reaffirms Geneva Declaration promises of financial and practical help to enable developing nations to reap the economic and social benefits of information technology.
  • UNESCO Final Declaration - Media and Good Governance: Links freedoms of expression and opinion to transparent, democratic government, reduction of poverty and broad principles of good governance; enunciates specific standards and practices for protecting speech rights and calls for their adoption by member states.

     

Handbooks

Webchats on Freedom of the Press

U.S. Articles on Press Freedom