UNRIC MAGAZINE June Edition 2009

World Press Freedom Day is observed every year on 3 May.

This year, UNESCO, the UN agency with a mandate to defend freedom of expression and press freedom, organized its UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2009 celebration from 2-3 May 2009 in Doha, Qatar.

Mr Matsuura welcomed the choice of Mr Wickrematunge: "In awarding the 2009 World Press Freedom Prize to a committed journalist who opposed war, UNESCO, along with media professionals from all over the world, recognizes the important role that freedom of expression can play in fostering mutual understanding and reconciliation, the theme of this year's World Press Freedom Day celebration."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, speaking at a United Nations Headquarters event in observance of World Press Freedom Day, said a free press contributed to democracy and stability.

"At a time of economic crisis and other serious threats, it is crucial to support a free and independent media so that people can better understand the events that shape their lives," Mr. Ban said.

Noting that 11 journalists have been killed this year and 125 are imprisoned, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Mr. Ban urged governments to respect the legal rights of those detained.

"Journalists should be able to do their job free of intimidation and harassment. They should not have to self-censor themselves out of fear," Mr. Ban.

During the same event, General Assembly President Miguel D'Escoto, in a message delivered by Deputy Chef de Cabinet Sofia Clark, called for the defence of press freedoms, saying it served as "the bedrock of modern societies and the life-blood for informed decision-making."