IIMSAM Middle East Director & Goodwill Ambassador Dr. Naseer Homoud message on World Press Freedom Day. He urged for ensuring freedom of speech and expression and right to information to be accessible for everyone.
While observing the World Press Freedom Day Dr. Naseer Homoud Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council while addressing the media said World Press Freedom Day among other things provided an opportunity to affirm the importance of freedom of expression and press freedom - a fundamental human right enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The General Assembly in 1993 declared 3 May as World Press Freedom Day (decision 48/432 of 20 December). That action stemmed from the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which, by a 1991 resolution on "Promotion of press freedom in the world", had recognized that a free, pluralistic and independent press was an essential component of any democratic society. The General Conference had transmitted to the General Assembly the wish of UNESCO member States to have 3 May declared "International Press Freedom Day". That date commemorates the Windhoek Declaration on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press, adopted on 3 May 1991 by the Seminar on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press, organized by UNESCO and the United Nations in Windhoek, Namibia.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Homoud urged that this day traditionally honors the courageous journalists around the world who often practice their art facing repressive regimes. On this eve of Press Freedom Day, I would like to expand this notion to celebrate the media professionals who are committed to bringing independent media and quality news and information to nations around the world. He urged that press and media is the fourth pillar of democracy and without freedom being given to press we cannot dream for a society organized on concepts of social equality. He added.
The theme of this year celebrations of this day is Freedom of Information: the Right to Know. While stressing on the basic right of information Dr. Homoud said media has to take this responsibility of awareness among the masses- be it an issue related to any spectrum of life. The powerful position which media enjoys should be channelized for ultimate benefit of the mankind. He further added It was an irrefutable axiom that no society could be totally free without a free press. It was only through a free press that it was possible to hear the voice of the weak and the small. Indeed, it is an accepted wisdom now that a free press is a fundamental prerequisite for development of the society at large.
Dr. Homoud while advocating for the free media and right to information and awareness to be regarded as one of the vital rights said the press must use its freedom to awaken latent consciences and sometimes to challenge the established order. It is finally the best guardian of liberty, change and progress. He further drew attention towards Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which reads everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
This Day symbolizes the key importance of freedom of media and information. A free press has a responsibility to provide voice to citizens and create an environment where all major issues of consequence that may create an impact on the masses can be discussed. Free media may have a major role in social-economical development. Press is also responsible for shaping cultural identities. Dr. Homoud said while addressing the gathering.
On this day IIMSAM Middle East Office calls on the governments of the world especially those countries where freedom of press is suppressed, to respect freedom of press and freedom of speech in their countries. I also urge them to honor and ensure the right to information and awareness. He said.
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