PRESS STATEMENT: World Press Freedom Day 2022
2022-05-02
In times of turmoil there is renewed appreciation for journalists and good journalism.
World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) this year is commemorated against the backdrop of one of the most devastating wars in recent history, the ramifications of which are being felt worldwide, and exacerbated by the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are thus reminded that the safety and security of all journalists to report freely is essential to ensure that the world understands the facts and the realities of these crises and their humanitarian consequences.
This year Unesco will host the main World Press Freedom Day 2022 celebrations in Punta Del Este, Uruguay, under the theme ‘Journalism under digital siege’. Media viability, the spread of disinformation and misinformation, the struggle to maintain professionalism and credibility, a rise in threats and attacks and restrictive laws, are just some of the central issues that will be interrogated during this period.
The reality right now is that journalists and journalism on the African continent are at risk of increased financial, physical and legal pressure. If the media freedom average of the continent were to be measured – the needle would be to the right of centre - as governments across Africa continue curtailing media freedom. We must do better, and demand of our governments, and other non-state actors, to commit to ensuring just and equitable societies where all peoples have the rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
The Namibia Media Trust is a proud supporter of the annual Unesco/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, part of our efforts to honour those who stand up for our freedom. Heartfelt congratulations to the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) which was named the laureate of the 2022 prize. You continue to defy attempts to silence your pens, cameras and recorders through your continued operations in exile. Stand firm in the knowledge that you are on the right side of history.
Finally, we appeal to all Unesco member states to commit to the implementation of the Windhoek+30 Declaration so that the promotion of a free, independent and pluralistic media becomes the norm, not the exception.
Zoé Titus
Director
Enquiries:
info@nmt.africa
www.nmt.africa