(CJFE/IFEX) – The following is a CJFE media release: CJFE Marks World Press Freedom Day May 2, 2003 – A dozen journalists gave their lives covering the war in Iraq. Another 28 languish in Cuban prisons after mass sentencings in April on charges of undermining the country’s “independence and territorial integrity.” This year, more than […]
(CJFE/IFEX) – The following is a CJFE media release:
CJFE Marks World Press Freedom Day
May 2, 2003 – A dozen journalists gave their lives covering the war in Iraq. Another 28 languish in Cuban prisons after mass sentencings in April on charges of undermining the country’s “independence and territorial integrity.”
This year, more than ever, World Press Freedom Day takes on a special meaning.
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) and others in Canada and around the world mark the day by highlighting the fundamental principles of press freedom and training the spotlight on infringements of that right.
Saturday, May 3, is 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 affirms that a free press is essential to the
existence of democracy and is a fundamental human-rights goal.
“The Declaration continues to resonate internationally,” CJFE Executive Director Joel Ruimy said. “Around the world, repressive régimes, crime gangs and corrupt officials continue to harass and attack journalists just for doing their job.
“Attacks on journalists should be seen as attacks on all of us; the violence is intended to prevent citizens from learning, hearing, and discussing the things that matter to them.”
UNESCO is marking World Press Freedom Day by hosting a conference in Kingston, Jamaica, this weekend to examine strategies for battling impunity and improving journalists’ safety. Prominent media professionals and press-freedom organisations, including CJFE Director Bob Carty, will share expertise and knowledge.
In Canada, CJFE will team up with noted journalist Linden MacIntyre for a lunch-time event in Toronto, Friday, where the public will have an opportunity to meet the host of the CBC program the fifth estate. MacIntyre will speak about journalists covering the war in Iraq.
CJFE and the Fédération professionnelle des journalistes du Québec were also set to host an evening event in Montreal Thursday night featuring a Venezuelan television journalist speaking about his experiences in that country during the upheaval of last year.
In Ottawa, the National Press Club will hold a luncheon for its 5th Annual Press Freedom Awards and 3rd International Editorial Cartoon Competition Friday. Senior journalists and politicians will attend the event.
CJFE is an association of more than 400 journalists, editors, publishers, producers, students and others committed to preserving press freedom and freedom of expression in Canada and around the world.
