Access to Information: This Is Your Right! #WPFD2016
This year's World Press Freedom Day puts the focus on the inter-connectivity between press freedom, a culture of openness, the right to freedom of information and sustainable development in the digital age. Journalism is the key enabler for all of these. It is therefore crucial to safeguard those who bring the service of journalism to the public.
A fundamental freedom and a human right
Without access to information, members of the media are not able to seek and receive information on issues of importance to the public. Without it, governments cannot be held accountable for their actions nor are they open to public scrutiny.
Protecting press freedom from censorship and surveillance overreach
A high degree of public access to information fosters a climate in which respect for fundamental freedoms can thrive. And with the growing digitalization of our societies the opportunity for anyone to access information, regardless of time and place, are unprecedented.
At the same time, attempts are being made to block, filter and close down websites to suppress media freedom on the internet, hampering everyone’s right to access to information. This right has to be safeguarded.
Ensuring journalists’ safety
Ensuring journalists’ safety remains the core issue for strengthening the state of press and media freedom around the world. It also has a direct impact on the right to access to information; if members of the media are able to report in a free and safe manner they are more likely to fully enjoy the right to access to information.
Today’s digital environment leave journalists more exposed and vulnerable than ever before. Female journalists and bloggers in particular are fiercely attacked online. For some, online threats of rape and sexual violence have become part of everyday life; others experience severe sexual harassment and intimidation.
On this date of commemoration and celebration, I echo the calls from press freedom advocates around the world: Access to Information is a fundamental human right. It is everyone’s right. This is your right!
Celebrating the fundamentals of press freedom
World Press Freedom Day celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; it evaluates press freedom around the world, it highlights the importance of defending the media against attacks on their independence, and it pays tribute to journalists who have lost their lives during the exercise of their profession. Read more about the World Press Freedom Day activities on the UNESCO website.
This year’s theme for World Press Freedom day is Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms. This is Your Right!
