UCWEP’s message for World Press Freedom Day on 3 May

May UCWEP President Hasan Taşkın celebrated May 3 World Press Freedom Day with a message. In his message, Taşkın emphasized that press freedom is the cornerstone of democracy and human rights.

Taşkın said, “A free and independent press ensures that the public has access to accurate information, supervises the authorities, and creates a healthy discussion environment in society.” he said.

Unfortunately, press freedom is under great threat around the world today. Journalists face violence, censorship and harassment while reporting. This situation poses a great threat to both press freedom and democracy.

On this occasion, Taşkın called on all authorities to take the necessary steps to protect press freedom. He demanded that legal regulations be made to enable journalists to work freely and safely and that the perpetrators of attacks against the press be punished.

He also invited the public to protect the free press and support members of the press. Taşkın said, “We need a free press to access accurate information and protect our democracy.” he said.

May 3 World Press Freedom Day is a day celebrated all over the world on May 3 every year.expand_more This day was accepted by a decision taken by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993.expand_more

Purpose of the Day:

Emphasizing the importance of freedom of the press: A free and independent press is the cornerstone of democracy and human rights. expand_more It ensures that the public has access to accurate information, supervises the authorities and creates a healthy discussion environment in society.

Condemn attacks and censorship on the press: Journalists face violence, censorship and harassment while reporting.expand_more UCWEP and other international organizations condemn such attacks and fight to protect press freedom.

Defending the rights of members of the press: Journalists should be able to perform their duties freely and safely.expand_more UCWEP works to defend the rights of members of the press and improve their working conditions.

Status of Press Freedom in the World:

Unfortunately, freedom of the press around the world is under great threat today.expand_more Journalists face violence, censorship and harassment while reporting. According to UCWEP’s World Press Freedom Index, press freedom violations occurred in 150 out of 180 countries in 2023.

Press Freedom in Türkiye:

Türkiye is also a difficult country in terms of press freedom.expand_more Journalists frequently encounter legal and illegal obstacles while reporting.expand_more UCWEP follows the violations of press freedom in Türkiye and makes the necessary warnings to the authorities.

UCWEP’s Role:

UCWEP plays an important role in protecting press freedom. The Union condemns attacks and censorship of the press, defends the rights of members of the press, and works to advance press freedom worldwide.

What can be done on May 3 World Press Freedom Day?

Raising awareness about press freedom: You can raise awareness by using hashtags on social media platforms, sharing articles about press freedom and supporting the work of press freedom defenders.

Supporting members of the press: You can support members of the press by condemning attacks against journalists and supporting those fighting for press freedom.

Accessing accurate information: You can contribute to accessing accurate information by obtaining information from reliable news sources and being careful about false information.

Freedom of the press is the right of all of us. We all have a duty to protect and develop this right.