Sunday, April 24, 2011

World Press Freedom Day May 3, 2011

Press freedom is inseparable from the importance of transparency, the freedom of information, the Freedom of Information Act, and the protection of journalists against violence.    The people must be informed if they are to sustain a democracy--of, by, and for the people--, and journalists must be free and protected if they are to fulfill their equally great role for a democracy.  D

  Contents:
US Dept. of State Announcement
Credo Appeal
Local Reporting of Journalists Killed

U.S. to Host World Press Freedom Day in 2011

Press Statement, US Dept. of State

Philip J. Crowley, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC  December 7, 2010



The United States is pleased to announce that it will host UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Day event in 2011, from May 1 - May 3 in Washington, D.C. UNESCO is the only UN agency with the mandate to promote freedom of expression and its corollary, freedom of the press.
The theme for next year’s commemoration will be 21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers. The United States places technology and innovation at the forefront of its diplomatic and development efforts. New media has empowered citizens around the world to report on their circumstances, express opinions on world events, and exchange information in environments sometimes hostile to such exercises of individuals’ right to freedom of expression. At the same time, we are concerned about the determination of some governments to censor and silence individuals, and to restrict the free flow of information. We mark events such as World Press Freedom Day in the context of our enduring commitment to support and expand press freedom and the free flow of information in this digital age.
Highlighting the many events surrounding the celebration will be the awarding of the UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize at the National Press Club on May 3rd. This prize, determined by an independent jury of international journalists, honors a person, organization or institution that has notably contributed to the defense and/or promotion of press freedom, especially where risks have been undertaken.
The Newseum will host the first two days of events, which will engage a broad array of media professionals, students, and citizen reporters on themes that address the status of new media and internet freedom, and challenges and opportunities faced by media in our rapidly changing world.
The State Department looks forward to working with UNESCO and the U.S. executive committee spearheaded by the Center for International Media Assistance at the National Endowment for Democracy, IREX, and the United Nations Foundation and the many civil society organizations they have brought together in support of the organization of events unfolding in Washington.
For further information regarding World Press Freedom Day Events for program content, please visit the World Press Freedom Facebook page http://www.connect.connect.facebook.com/WPFD2011

WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY MAY 3, 2011
(from CREDO 11-03-10)
One part of our event could be focusing on areas of world where journalists are especially threatened.
One country is SUDAN.   Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) uses its extensive powers of arrest and detention and its agents’ immunity from prosecution to silence government critics.   The NISS regularly imposes pre-print censorship on Sudanese newspapers and arbitrarily detains and tortures journalists.   (These repressions increased in the lead-up to Sudan’s January referendum.   Check what happened.)
ACTION: Urge Pres. Obama at 202-456-1111 to pressure the Sudanese government to end NISS impunity and to protect journalists.  

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