THE United Nations commemorated World Press Freedom Day 2015 on May 3 with a moment of silence for journalists killed in the line of duty, and drew attention to the need for greater gender equality in the media and the safety of journalists in the digital age, where protection from surveillance will become increasingly important.

This year's theme was, 'Let Journalism Thrive -Towards better reporting, gender equality, & media safety in the digital age.'

UN Under-Secretary-General for Public Information, Cristina Gallach, said the commemoration event “gives us an opportunity to address two vital topics, gender equality and the safety of journalists, in the digital age, where protection from surveillance will become increasingly important.” 

Noting that 2015 is a historic year during which the United Nations celebrates its 70th anniversary and is “also the year when the international community must take once-in-a-generation decisions on sustainable development goals, on climate change, and on financing for development.” Ms. Gallach said, “It is a fitting to reaffirm the relevance of the right to freedom of expression, without which we would not be able to achieve many of the goals for 2015.” 

In his remarks, General Assembly President Sam Kutesa said that in 1993, the Assembly established the Day. Some 22 years later, delegations were gathered to express our utmost respect to the many courageous men and women who brave hazardous terrain and dangerous environments to tell the important stories the world needs to hear. 

“These men and women go about their critical work in often inhospitable environments. From the comfort and safety of our homes and workplaces, we can learn about important issues around the world, including some dark and troubling events,” he said, stressing that journalists bridge the information gap and through that work, we learn about important discoveries and innovations shaping our world. 

“Without them, we would have difficulty knowing about positive developments in the furthest corners of the world. In the same way, we would never hear the cries that are being silenced or the injustices being committed, said President Kutesa, adding, “We may never know of abuses being perpetrated, hostages being taken or lives brutally stolen.” 

Noting that already this year, more than 40 journalists and media staff have been killed around the world, with many more are being held hostage or simply disappeared, he said the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is clear: The freedom for all to seek, receive and impart information, regardless of borders should not be tampered with. 

On the issue of safety of journalists, Kahram Haliscelik of the UN Correspondents Association (UNCA) said the UN-based press corps were awaiting Security Council action on protection of journalists in conflict areas. Speaking on the issue of gender equality, George Papagiannis, Representative of the UNESCO New York Liaison Office, noted that women hold just 26 per cent of positions in media governance. 

Compiled by Law Desk.