World Press Freedom Day is on May 3 every year.The U.N. General Assembly introduced it in 1993.The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press.It is also a reminder to governments to respect the right to freedom of expression.This right is a key part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.Many news organizations join forces to defend world media from attacks on their independence.The day is also a special time for journalists to pay tribute to colleagues who have lost their lives while reporting.UNESCO gives a special prize on this day to the person or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to protecting or promoting press freedom.U.N. General Secretary Ban Ki-moon spoke about the importance of a free media and of protecting journalists.He said: “A free, secure and independent media is one of the foundations of peace and democracy.Attacks on freedom of press are attacks against international law, against humanity, against freedom itself.I am therefore alarmed at the way journalists are increasingly being targeted around the world, and dismayed when such crimes are not thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.”
