The occasion pays tribute to journalists who have lost their lives.
May 3 every year is observed as World Press Freedom Day, also known as World Press Day, across the globe. The occasion's main objective is to spread awareness about the freedom of the press and also remind governments of their duty to respect as well as uphold the right to freedom of expression. Also, it pays tribute to journalists who have lost their lives while bringing news to the public.
Moreover, the day marks the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, a statement of press freedom principles by African newspaper journalists in 1991.
This year, the occasion's theme is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all other human rights.”
The United Nations General Assembly held a seminar in Namibia in 1991 on promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press. It led to the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration which called to establish, maintain, as well as foster an independent, pluralistic, and free press.
In December 1993, the UN General Assembly proclaimed May 3 as World Press Freedom Day.
Many communities or individuals organize various events (such as seminars, lectures, art exhibitions, etc.) to spread awareness about the importance of freedom of expression.
UNESCO confers the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to the field of journalism.
"The freedom of the human mind is recognized in the right to free speech and free press.” — Calvin Coolidge
Freedom of the press belongs to the people of a nation, not to the owners of publications.” — A. J. Liebling
