The UN Secretary General called for an end to the persecution of journalists

The UN Secretary General called for an end to the persecution of journalists

António Guterres reminded of the danger that journalists expose themselves to “give a voice to those who have no voice.”

The UN, 3 may. /Offset. TASS Oleg Zelenin/. UN Secretary-General, antónio Guterres, called on the leaders of countries to protect free media and to put an end to the persecution of journalists.

In his message on the occasion of 3 may, world press freedom day, the administrative head of the world body reminded of the danger that journalists expose themselves to “give a voice to those who have no voice.”

“Members of the media are slander, sexual assault, arrests, injured and even killed,” said UN Secretary-General. “We need leaders defended a free press is crucial to combat the widespread misinformation. And we need to stand for our right to know the truth. On world press freedom day, I call to put an end to all persecution of journalists because the free press promote peace and justice for all,” said Guterres.

In turn, the UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova in her message said that journalism is in crisis. According to her, in terms of the development of digital technology and social media “there are doubts about the responsibility of media confidence”.

“The Internet blurs the boundaries between advertising and copyright materials as private actors are increasingly taking on the role of key intermediaries, establishing new forms of “private censorship”. These problems combined with deeper transformations that survive in our society,” said Bokova.

Director-General of UNESCO expressed the belief that in this situation the world needs “creative, critical thinkers and use proven facts to journalists, guided by high professional and ethical standards and have received a quality journalism education,” and “audience with the relevant skills on media and information literacy”.

World press freedom day (World Press Freedom Day) was established by the UN General Assembly in 1993 in recognition of the importance of observing the principles of freedom of speech, of the press, independence, and also as a tribute to the journalists killed in the performance of professional duty.

The choice of the date is that on this day in 1991 in the capital of Namibia, representatives of independent press of Africa signed the Windhoek Declaration, which called on the governments of the countries in the world for freedom of the press and its democratic character.

The theme for 2017 — “Critical approaches in critical moments: the role of the media in promoting a peaceful, just and inclusive society.” Main events will be held in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. On Thursday at the headquarters of UN in new York will host a round table discussion on freedom of speech.

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