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Commission supports World Press Freedom Day Print E-mail
Thursday, 03 May 2007

The European Commission today said that freedom of information - and access to information - were basic human rights that should be available to everyone in the world.

Margot Wallström, Vice President of the European Commission, said: "Free and active media providing full and fair information is a key element in building democratic legitimacy and allowing citizens to exercise their basic democratic rights.

"Just as we encourage open debate within the Union, the EU must promote press freedom around the globe with all the means at its disposal. Openness leads the way to stability and progress."

Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations, said that promoting democracy and human rights was central to the EU's foreign policy.

"Freedom of expression is a fundamental right and an essential element of a democratic discourse. A free press and journalists able to exercise their profession without hindrance and intimidation is the indispensable cornerstone of building vibrant civil societies and any democratic reform process. We are providing active support to securing these basic conditions in third countries."

One of the main themes of this year's World Press Freedom Day is the safety of journalists.

The Commission has again appealed strongly for the release of Alan Johnston, the BBC’s Gaza correspondent, who has now been held for nearly two months.

Ferrero-Waldner said: "His captors are doing the Palestinian people no service by preventing him and others from doing their job - bringing the story of life in Gaza to the outside world."

Established by the UN in 1993 and run by UNESCO, World Press Freedom Day celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluates press freedom around the world, defends the media from attacks on their independence and pays tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

This year’s prize has been awarded posthumously to Russian reporter Anna Politkovskaya.

The day serves as an occasion to inform people 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.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 03 May 2007 )
 
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