More recently, the General Assembly reaffirmed that the right to freedom of opinion and expression is a human right guaranteed to all, recognizing the importance of freedom of expression and of free, independent, plural and diverse media and access to information, online as well as offline, in building inclusive and peaceful knowledge societies and democracies and in fostering intercultural dialogue, peace and good governance, as well as understanding and cooperation. In this regard, we acknowledge the pioneering role of UNESCO in leading the process that resulted in the Windhoek 1991 Declaration on a Free, Independent and Pluralistic Press, as well UNESCO’s continuous commitment since then to coordinate the global celebration of the World Press Freedom Day. As we also commemorate the 75 th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30 th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, and as we reach the mid-point of the journey towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is time to recognize the important contribution of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of information to the fulfillment of other human rights.Īt its very first session in 1946, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Resolution A/RES/59, which refers to freedom of information in its widest sense, stating: “ Freedom of information is a fundamental human right and is the touchstone of all the freedoms to which the United Nations is consecrated.” Journalists and media workers make indispensable contribution to the protection of human rights for all peoples.

The right to freedom of opinion and expression, press freedom, access to information and the pursuit of peace and sustainable development are closely interlinked.

Office of International Standards and Legal Affairsĭelivered by the Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly, UNESCO General Conference, the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the Human Rights Councilģ0 years ago, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 3 May as World Press Freedom Day.

Of human freedom epictetus