As the world marks Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2008, the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC), a global communication advocacy organization based in Toronto, Canada, has released a statement calling on governments to protect journalists against violations of press freedom.
May 3 was proclaimed World Press Freedom Day by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991. It serves as an occasion to inform citizens of violations of press freedom and to advocate for the protection of media from attacks on their independence and fundamental principles.
WACC's statement asserts that press freedom is paramount in the struggle against bad governance and advocates for open and pluralistic media as essential to advancing democracy and social justice.
"We call on governments, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and the churches to advocate genuine press freedom as a vital component in the political and social development of all countries. Defending human rights means defending freedom of the press."
WACC promotes communication for social change by focusing on equal and affordable access to communication and knowledge.
On 6-10 October 2008 WACC will host a global conference on communication rights and peace,Congress 2008, to be held in Cape Town, South Africa. Over 300 journalists and communicators from around the world are expected to attend the event.
Full statement: Press Freedom Day May 3, 2008 39.00 kB