SECRETARY-GENERAL'S MESSAGE ON WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
Press Release
SG/SM/5976
SECRETARY-GENERAL'S MESSAGE ON WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
19960503 The following is the text of Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali's message on World Press Freedom Day, which is commemorated on 3 May:World Press Freedom Day reminds us that the call for freedom of information came in one of the very first resolutions of the General Assembly, adopted unanimously 50 years ago. This call -- growing ever louder -- has been made in all languages throughout the world ever since.
More people in more countries are voicing their desire for greater participation in their societies, as well as for a role in achieving sustainable economic and social development and a better life for all. Their truest protector and ally is a free press, a vigilant, responsible and compassionate defender of the right of people to inform and be informed.
The designation of 3 May as World Press Freedom Day by the General Assembly in 1993 expresses the dedication of the United Nations to a free and pluralistic media, one that will make possible the unhindered flow of information and opinions in all parts of the world, both between and within nations.
On this important occasion, we pay tribute to the many brave journalists who have died or been imprisoned in the defence of this precious freedom. Those who risk danger to report the news are on the frontline in defending all the freedoms to which the United Nations is dedicated. On the occasion of this day, we honour those in the media around the world who on a daily basis endure hardships and put themselves in harm's way so that voices will be heard, and so that the people may know.
Freedom of the press must not only be precious to those who live where this right is not yet a reality or has been achieved only recently. It must be cherished and never be taken for granted by those to whom it is familiar -- for they are the strongest support for those who are deprived of the right to speak and to listen, to debate and to learn. Having been a journalist myself, I know how vital it is that we recommit ourselves to the goal of guaranteeing this freedom, to fostering an independent and pluralist media as a prerequisite to freedom of the press, and to strengthening the information potential of the less open and less privileged parts of the world.
I extend my best wishes and the support of the United Nations to all who are involved in this noble cause that we are commemorating today -- World Press Freedom Day. * *** *