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To highlight the importance of the free press and the respect for the freedom of expression, the 3rd of May was declared World Press Freedom Day by the United Nations General Assembly. In the face of multiple crises threatening media freedom, journalist safety, and freedom of expression, CHARM-EU joins the global awareness-raising campaign.
Importance of the issue
According to the 2022 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, the state of press freedom is classified either “problematic”, “difficult” or “very bad” in 132 countries out of 180. The analysis also highlights that the unregulated online information space encouraging fake news and propaganda increased polarisation both within countries and at international level. To counter the threats to press freedom, safety of journalists and access to information, UNESCO marks the 3rd of May with a conference (organized every year by a different country) where professionals, various organisations and stakeholders can discuss challenges and possible solutions. Since 1997, UNESCO has been conferring the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize as well, which is given to an individual, an institution or organization contributing to defend or promote press freedom. The prize is named after Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano Isaza, who was assassinated at the entrance of his newspaper El Espectador after denouncing drug trafficking mafias.
Thematic focus in 2023
In 2023, World Press Freedom Day celebrates its 30th Anniversary. The year’s theme is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all other human rights”, focusing on the freedom of expression as a necessary precondition and cornerstone for the enjoyment of all other human rights. The conference takes place in New York, USA with many other events happening worldwide. As UNESCO’s concept note highlights: “Looking ahead, now is the opportune time to address the future of human rights and shape how the challenges to freedom of expression will be met in the digital ecosystem and rapidly evolving information environment.”
CHARM-EU’s commitment to working towards just societies
On this international day, CHARM-EU joins to raise awareness and reiterates its commitment to create a safe, welcoming, and respectful organisational culture, including educational and working spaces, where diversity and the freedom of expression prevails. We strongly believe in the power of diversity to enrich the learning experience, academic debate, as well as knowledge creation and production. We see it as our social responsibility to foster an open, welcoming, and safe environment grounded in inclusivity, compassion, and mutual respect, where individuals from all backgrounds, lived experiences, circumstances and access needs can collaboratively learn, work, and serve. The rights to freedom of expression and to access information are crucial for the flow of information, ideas, concepts and beliefs across borders and cultures. In alignment with its values, vision and mission to identify and reflect societal challenges in cooperation with the wider community, CHARM-EU recognises the role of the media and journalists in facilitating the flow of information and creating spaces for ideas to be debated and for the voiceless to be heard.
Join us raising awareness by using the hashtag #WorldPressFreedomDay on social media. Find more information by visiting the following link: World Press Freedom Day | UNESCO
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This contribution was prepared by Anna Tepliczky, a student volunteer (ELTE BGGYK) in collaboration with colleagues from the CHARM-EU Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team.
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
