In dozens of countries around the world, journalists, editors and publishers are murdered, assaulted, detained and harassed simply for telling the truth. Their publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down for daring to voice opinions contrary to those of their governments.

Today is ‘World Press Freedom Day‘ which exists to recognise the sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom of the press and to put pressure on governments that continue to deny their citizens this basic human right. The ‘3 May‘ message is that journalists everywhere must be granted the right to report freely and without fear.

The date marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek, a statement of principles drawn up by African journalists in 1991, calling for a free, independent and pluralistic media on that continent and throughout the world. The Declaration afirms that a free press is essential to the existence of democracy and a fundamental human goal. The Declaration is a milestone in the struggle for a free press in all regions of the world.

At a time when human rights and democratic development hang in the balance in so many countries, no one can be complacent. 3 May is the day on which the media can remind governments and the public of the importance of freedom of the press and of how the gobal battle to attain it, continues.

This years ‘annual world press freedom’ prize went, posthumously to a courageous sri lankan news editor, Wickrematunge, who was assassinated in January. He wrote his own obituary before he was killed. It was published in his newspaper 3 days later. See, this website for more details

Sheffield Live! fully supports ‘World Press Freedom Day‘ and asks if you are interested in this campaign to check out the website and find out how you can get involved.