Unesco join Costa Rica to mark Press Freedom Day

 UNESCO and the government of Costa Rica will jointly host the 20th World Press Freedom Day in San Jose, Costa Rica from May 2-4.

This year we also mark the 20th anniversary of the celebration since May 3 was first proclaimed World Press Freedom Day at the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a recommendation adopted at the 26th session of Unesco’s general conference in 1991.  

It serves as an occasion to inform citizens of violations of press freedom – a reminder that in dozens of countries around the world, publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered. 

The global theme for 2013 is ‘Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in All Media’ which focuses on safety of journalists, the issue of impunity, and online safety. 

There is also a special focus on the implementation of UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. 

It is a date to encourage and develop initiatives in favour of press freedom, and to assess the state of press freedom worldwide. 

It serves as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. 

Just as important, World Press Freedom Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom. 

It is also a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. – Unesco