Today is World
Press Freedom
Day .
Proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1993, on the recommendation of the General Conference of UNESCO, it is celebrated on May 3, the anniversary of
the Windhoek Declaration
which contains important principles on pluralism and freedom of expression.
It is a day that reminds governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom.
It is also a day of reflection among media professionals on the issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
Every year, on May 3, the UNESCO prize for freedom of the press is awarded, named after Guillermo Cano Isaza who remembers the Colombian journalist who was murdered on December 17, 1986 in Bogotà, in front of the offices of his newspaper El Espectador, worth $ 25,000. , which rewards exceptional contributions to the defense or promotion of press freedom, especially in the face of danger.
The award this year went to the Association of Journalists of Belarus (AJB).
Founded in 1995 as a non-governmental association of media workers, with the aim of promoting freedom of expression and independent journalism in Belarus, the association brings together more than 1300 journalists and is a member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ).
In August 2021, after a police search of its offices, the Supreme Court of Belarus ordered the dissolution of this organization, at the request of the Ministry of Justice.
"For twenty-five years, the UNESCO / Guillermo Cano Award has drawn the world's attention to the courage of journalists who have shown self-sacrifice in their search for truth and transparency. Once again, their example inspires and reminds us of the importance of ensuring that journalists, wherever they are, can work freely and safely, "said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
The award will be presented during a ceremony in Punta Del Este, Uruguay, where the World Press Freedom Conference is taking place.
