Free Press is a Major Prerequisite for Accomplishing UN MDGs- Urged Dr. Naseer Homoud while marking World Press Freedom day
IIMSAM Middle East Director & Goodwill Ambassador Dr. Naseer Homoud's message on World Press Freedom Day. He urged that World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder for respecting press freedom and as a day of remembrance for journalists who have sacrificed their lives in the exercise of their profession.
- (1888PressRelease) May 03, 2011 - On the eve of World Press Freedom Day, 2011, IIMSAM has extended its greetings and good wishes to the members of the media. The organization also extended its due respect to the departed media persons who worked hard to uphold the dignity of free press. IIMSAM also conveyed its greetings and good wishes to the brothers and sisters engaged in the media who are working day in and day out and calls upon them to endeavor and work with dedication.
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 Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council while addressing the media said "World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder of the need to respect press freedom and as a day of remembrance for journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession".
The Goodwill Ambassador further said that the United Nations General Assembly has been observing May 3 of every year as "World Press Freedom Day" since 1993. As per the provisions enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights envisages the fundamental rights of freedom of expression encompasses the freedom "to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers" and keeping this objective in view the event is being observed throughout the world to make everyone aware of this inalienable right.
By this day the UN hopes to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and to remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 19 states everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; the right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers. The theme of this year celebration is -21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers.
"This day, indeed, is an occasion to remind us the importance of protecting the fundamental human right of freedom of expression and accord recognition to media personnel for doing the services of safeguarding it at times risking their lives; put simply, freedom of expression is the right that underpins all rights. Yet it is a sad reality that this basic human right is withheld from the majority of the world's population," said Dr. Homoud.
"World Press Freedom Day exists to acknowledge the importance of a free press and freedom of expression to society, whether emerging or well established," he said. "It is an opportunity to recognize the importance of what many take for granted - the daily news, produced by teams of courageous men and women who labour every day in the interests of their societies and of their readers", added Dr. Homoud.
Linking the accomplishment of United Nations Millennium Development Goals to free press Dr. Homoud said "improvements in public sector financial management alone will not ensure good governance and progress on goals. Non-traditional, as considered by many donors, aspects of governance such as freedom of the press and human rights also influence development.
The strong relationship between poverty and gender rights is particularly striking. For attaining the true essence of egalitarianism in the world community a free and strong press is a major prerequisite", urged Dr. Homoud. He went on to say "As we are reaching the 2015 deadline of the Millennium Development Goals, we must remind States that Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Press are basic human rights and an essential factor of development. The world cannot ignore these terrible Human Rights violations; attacks on Journalists and Independent Media organizations are simply unacceptable".
"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-economic development. Press is also responsible for shaping cultural identities", said Dr. Homoud.
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