UNESCO: Journalism Essential for Global Peace on World Press Freedom Day
UNESCO has issued a global call to protect freedom of expression and support journalism as a vital pillar of peace, marking World Press Freedom Day this May 3.
The annual observance serves as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom. It also provides a day of reflection among media professionals regarding issues of press freedom and professional ethics, reads organisation’s statement.
According to UNESCO, the day is a critical moment of support for media outlets that are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom. It further serves as a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of a story.
The organization emphasized that "Journalism shapes peace" in a statement highlighting the link between information and social stability.
"Access to reliable, verified information is not optional; it is fundamental to building peaceful, just and resilient societies," UNESCO stated.
They warned of the dangers posed by the distortion of facts, noting that "when information is manipulated, it fuels division and erodes trust."
"When it is free and truthful, it strengthens accountability, fosters dialogue and upholds human rights," organization noted.
