2023 year marks the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. Three decades have passed since it was proclaimed in 1993, in which we have seen substantial progress towards achieving a free press and freedom of expression around the world.
The proliferation of independent media in many countries and the rise of digital technologies have enabled the free flow of information.
However, media freedom, safety of journalists and freedom of expression are increasingly under attack, which impacts the fulfillment of other human rights.
May 3 acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom. It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. It is an opportunity to:
- celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
- assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
- defend the media from attacks on their independence;
- and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
- Theme 2023:
“Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”
Celebrated every 3rd of May, this year’s theme for the Day will be “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights” (working title), signifying the enabling element of freedom of expression to enjoy and protect all other human rights.
This year’s Special 30th anniversary celebration of World Press Freedom Day is, therefore, a call to recentre press freedom, as well as independent, pluralistic and diverse media, as key to the enjoyment of all other human rights.
Partners from the media, academia, and civil society as schools are invited to organize events around the world centered on this year’s theme.
- Cartoons for Freedom Expression:
For the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO and Cartooning for Peace launch a campaign that talks about the importance of freedom of expression in guaranteeing human rights. Because we cannot defend our rights to free expression, education, health, equal access to justice without a free press that exposes abuses and provides information to assert our rights.
UNESCO and Cartooning for Peace are delighted to have the New Yorker as a special guest in this campaign. Liza Donnelly!
- Education
- Some activities:
- Ask your students to visit the website Cartooning for Peace (bilingual English & Français) and Educational News page. Ask them they discuss the goals of cartooning for peace.
- Invite them to explore the online gallery of Cartooning for Peace. They must choose a cartoon and discuss their choice.
- Download the cartoons, in different languages, and share in social media networks!
- Students can be inspired and motivated to create their own cartoons.
- Discussion on freedom of expression at school.
- Finally celebrate their desire for Peace through different activities at school : press cartoons exhibition, theatre, choral singing, slam, song, dance and music.
For this #WorldPressFreedomDay, UNESCO is encouraging everyone to publish a single message:
"Everything is alright."
Because if everything is alright in the news, then something is wrong with journalism. And when journalism is compromised, we cannot protect human rights.
Download the print ads and messages for social media and post them on 3 May here.
Target: High-junior schools; Vocational schools.
02.05.2023
Sources: UNESCO/ United Nations/ Cartooning for Peace
