Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
21:00 CAT

Image: SAPeople

On World Press Freedom Day 2023, UNESCO will organize a special anniversary event at UN headquarters in New York, arming the 30 years since the UN General Assembly’s decision proclaiming an international day for press freedom.

The day is observed on the 3rd of May annually to recognize Journalists’ tremendous efforts and contributions in uncovering society’s deepest and unknown truths. This year’s theme for the Day is ‘Shaping a future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights, signifying the enabling element of freedom of expression to enjoy and protect all other human rights.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, Deputy President at SAMNET, Mohamed Kharwa, speaks about the challenges and achievements of Press Freedom over the last 30 years.

He said substantial changes mainly led by social media, access to information and the digital revolution globally had seen many benefits over the years. However, adverse effects have also been seen as the world has become smaller.

Press freedom is essential to democracy, providing citizens with the information they need to hold governments and other powerful institutions accountable. It enables journalists to report on issues of public interest without fear of censorship or retribution and to shine a light on corruption, human rights abuses, and other injustices that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The observance of the World Press Freedom Day 2023 will also be the occasion to award the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, which recognizes and honours the contributions of journalists, particularly those who risk their lives to provide essential information to the public.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie.