The Informer (Monrovia)
3 May 2011
Liberian journalists will this Tuesday, May 3 join their colleagues and media rights campaigners around the world to observe World Press Freedom Day. The global theme is: “21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers.”
The Press Union of Liberia says it is organizing this year’s event with support from UNESCO, the arm of the United Nations responsible for the promotion of press freedom in the world as an essential component of any democratic society.
The Chairman of the Anti Corruption Commission, Cllr. Frances Johnson-Morris and the Political Leader of the Movement for Progressive Change, Simeon Freeman, will address the Liberian media on Tuesday in observance of the day.
Cllr. Morris and Mr. Freeman will speak on the topic, “Openness and Free Expression as Values for the Implementation of the Freedom of Information Regime in Liberia.”
The discussions will take place at the Monrovia YMCA at 11:30am, few minutes after the traditional precession by journalists in the principal streets of Monrovia to further create awareness for the Day.
The celebration will end at the week end with the Union’s Annual Awards Night, where individual journalists and institutions will be recognized for their outstanding contributions during the period.
On 20th December 1993, the UN General Assembly declared May 3rd World Press Freedom Day to serve as a reminder to governments to respect and uphold press freedom as an obligation.
The date marks the anniversary of the declaration of Windhoek, a statement of principles drawn up by African Journalists in 1991 with support from UNESCO, calling for a free, independent and pluralistic media on the continent and throughout the world.
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