World Press Freedom Day

Tags: Important Days

World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on 3 May to raise awareness about the importance of freedom of expression and freedom of the press as a fundamental human right.

• World Press Freedom Day reminds governments of their obligation to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as defined under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.

• The day aims to celebrate the basic principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom around the world, and defend the media against attacks.

• The theme of this year's World Press Freedom Day is 'Journalism under a digital siege'.

• In December 1993, May 3 was declared as World Press Freedom Day by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) following the recommendation of the General Conference of UNESCO.