World Press Freedom Day 2010

World Press Freedom Day is celebrated across the globe every May 3rd, representing an opportunity to commemorate the fundamental principles of press freedom and to pay solemn tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

UNESCO’s celebration of World Press Freedom Day 2010 will highlight the importance of freedom of information as an integral part of freedom of expression and its contribution to democratic governance. It will foster reflection and exchange of ideas on freedom of information to advance empowerment, transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption, as well as on the key obstacles that the effective exercise of the right to know faces in today’s digitalized world.

Freedom of Information: the Right to Know

Freedom of information: current status, challenges and implications for news media
Full achievement of freedom of information still faces many obstacles… Regardless of a remarkable trend toward adoption of FOI laws worldwide, international experience has shown this does not automatically translate into fulfillment of people’s right to information. >> Read more

Freedom of information as a tool for empowerment: Enabling protection and achievement of other rights
A fundamental premise for promotion of freedom of information is the tangible impact that the right to know can have on people’s lives, by facilitating the fulfillment of other rights. >>Read more

Transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption: FOI laws and beyond
Freedom of information can contribute to government openness and accountability, and help prevent and combat corruption, thereby enhancing good governance. >> Read more

The right to know in a digital age
ICTs have substantially changed the media landscape, and information flows in general. For governments, ICTs offer a means to enable freedom of information, for example by disclosing information and managing individual information requests through E-governance. >> Read more