World Press Freedom Day observed across the world

3 May: World Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day was observed on 3 May 2014 across the world. The theme of 2014 year is: Media Freedom for a Better Future: Shaping the post-2015 Development Agenda.

The day is an opportunity to celebrate
• the fundamental principles of press freedom
• assess the state of press freedom throughout the world
• defend the media from attacks on their independence
• Pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty

The focus of 2014 year is on three inter-related themes
• the media’s importance in development
• the safety of journalists and the rule of law
• the sustainability and integrity of journalism

The annual UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize was presented to Turkish investigative journalist Ahmet Sik on 2 May 2014 as a part of celebration.

UNESCO General Conference held in Windhoek, Namibia on 3 May 1991 and endorsed the principles of press freedom. It is known as Windhoek Declaration. Annually the date is celebrated globally and serves as reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom.