World Press Freedom Day 2021

Freedom of information is a primary freedom and a human right, intrinsically bound up with the broader right to freedom of manifestation. It covers the right to pursue and gather information, and it complements the right to convey information which is the freedom to make information public via the right to press freedom.

World Press Freedom Day is annually observed on May 3 to inform the international community that freedom of the press and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights. This day reminds people that many journalists brave death or face jail to bring daily news to the public.

World Press Freedom Day was jointly established in 1991 by the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the UN’s Department of Public Information. It celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

Pointing to the importance of verified and reliable information Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay says, "The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, “Information as a Public Good”, underlines the indisputable importance of verified and reliable information. It calls attention to the essential role of free and professional journalists in producing and disseminating this information, by tackling misinformation and other harmful content."

The World Press Freedom Day acts 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.