In 2024, the World Press Freedom Day (May 3) was dedicated to the 'importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis,' stated UNESCO and announced that the 31st World Press Freedom Day Conference to be held in Chile.
According to the UN, 'journalists encounter significant challenges in seeking and disseminating information on contemporary issues' and it the duty of the governance to ensure 'the visibility of these issues is crucial for promoting peace and democratic values worldwide issues.'
In fact the purpose of the observance is to 'celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom' and 'defend the media from attacks on their independence'
UN has suggested a comprehensive strategy for worldwide freedom of press that includes the following:
Preventing and protecting against crimes committed against journalists.
Ensuring the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of scientific research, and access to key sources of information, in addition to combating dis-/misinformation through journalism.
Promoting the plurality, diversity, and viability of media, especially regional, local, indigenous, and/or community-based media.
Ensuring that the governance of digital platforms foster the transparency of technology companies, their accountability, due diligence, user empowerment, and content moderation and curation based on international human rights’ standards..,
Promoting Media and Information Literacy programs to empower users with skills to engage and think critically in the digital environment.
It is matter of great concern that India ranks at 159th position among 180 countries on the on 'World Press Freedom Index' (WPFI) released by "Reporters Without Borders" organization.
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