World Press Freedom Day stresses Freedom of Expression as driver for human rights

This year’s World Press Freedom Day global celebration focused on the role of freedom of expression and the free and independent press in ensuring human rights. The UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay opened the event at the UN General Assembly Hall, attended by over 1,000 participants. The celebration marked the 30th anniversary since the proclamation of 3 May as World Press Freedom Day by the UN General Assembly in 1993.

Highlights of the event included interventions from human rights activists, press freedom champions, and media representatives such as  A.G. Sulzberger, Chairman and Publisher of The New York Times, Agnes Callamard, Secretary-general of Amnesty International, Yalitza Aparicio, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Indigenous’ Rights, Almar Latour, Publisher of Wall Street Journal and CEO of Dow Jones, women’s rights activist Masih Alinejad, Samantha Power, USAID Administrator and Brazilian influencer, Felipe Neto.

The discussions centered on how the role of an independent press and the enjoyment of freedom of expression supports them in their advocacy for the defend of human rights, such as freedom of expression, artistic freedom, gender equality and the rights of indigenous peoples.  As shown by a study published by UNESCO according to V-dem data, countries with the highest levels of freedom of expression, also enjoy a significantly higher level of protection of civil, political, economic and social rights.