EU hails celebration of 21 years of World Press Day
Saturday, 3 May 2014 00:00
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The United Nations declared 3 May to be World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and to serves as a reminder to all countries around the world of their responsibility to respect and defend the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives David Daly speaking on the occasion said: “Today we remember those who have dedicated their lives for the cause of reporting the truth. An independent and vibrant press reflects a healthy and dynamic society that embraces democratic values. Both I personally and the European Union remain committed to supporting press freedom that will allow these brave individuals to work in safe and secure condition and without fear of censorship, violence or persecution.”
The European Union remains committed to promoting and protecting press freedom and calls upon all parties to take the necessary steps to ensure a setting where the press can operate freely, independently and without fear.
The European Union’s commitment to respect freedom and pluralism of the media, as well as the right to information and freedom of expression is enshrined in Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, similar to the provision of Article 10 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
