EU ambassador condemns growing threat against media

May 03, 2017 News

…even in cyberspace

Growing threats and violations against journalists and media professionals both offline and in cyberspace are being condemned by Ambassador of the European Union (EU) Jernej Videtiè. Ambassador Videtiè noted the aforementioned as the EU joins with Guyana and the rest of the world in celebrating World Press Freedom Day today.
Every year, May 3 is observed worldwide as World Press Freedom day or World Press day; this day is used to encourage and develop initiatives in favour of press freedom and to assess the state of press freedom.
The EU Guidelines on Freedom of expression online and offline, adopted in 2014, reaffirms the EU’s determination to promote freedom of opinion and of expression as rights to be exercised by everyone everywhere, based on the principles of equality, non-discrimination and universality, through any media and regardless of frontiers.
“All states are expected to fulfill their global obligations to protect freedom of expression and the safety of journalists by providing a supportive legal environment and prosecuting all attacks against journalists,” Ambassador Videtiè said.
Since 1991 the United Nations declared this day as World Press day.
A free press and freedom of expression are among the same foundations of democracy that contribute to stable, inclusive, and resilient societies, which can help defuse tensions and contain conflicts the Ambassador pointed out.
Independent media are the basis of a participatory democracy and a tool to make governments accountable for their actions, hence Ambassador Videtiè said “supporting independent, quality and ethical journalism is essential.”
Ambassador Videtiè explained that the EU supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes ensuring universal access to information and protection of freedom of expression.”

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