On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day

Excellencies,
Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,


It is a pleasure to welcome you all to the Palais des Nations for the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day. May I take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to Mr. Ambeyi Ligabo, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, as well as to our partners from academia and the world of journalism, and all other contributors to this important event. Thank you for making your expertise available for this discussion. I would also like to warmly welcome all participants who have joined us via videoconference from South Africa.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Secretary-General Kofi Annan is a strong advocate of freedom of the press and a staunch supporter of efforts to promote and strengthen this vital freedom. On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, he has issued a special message, and it is my privilege to deliver the Secretary-General’s message to you:

Message of the Secretary-General follows

Allow me now to add a few words of my own in support of the thrust of the Secretary-General’s message.

As the Secretary-General pointed out, it is very alarming that with each passing year the ‘press card’ is less and less a shield against violence, particularly in conflict situations. Far too many journalists in far too many places continue to be persecuted, indeed targeted, including increasingly by terrorists, for the sole reason of doing their job well. And much too often, crimes committed against journalists are not effectively prosecuted. This culture of impunity should be stopped.

Far too many countries today continue to be torn by wars and civil strife, most often borne of poverty. Conflict and poverty exist in a vicious cycle. Poverty can lead to violent conflict, and violent conflict always leads to poverty, destroying economic and social structures and taking lives of innocent people. Free media have the potential to play an essential role in preventing violent conflict and in peace-building. However, we also need to be mindful of the danger that ‘hate media’ can pose in conflict situations. The media is a very powerful tool, and in the wrong hands, it can be devastating, making conflict even more deadly. Unfortunately, we do have examples of this in the not too distant past. But barring these aberrations, free media can do much to alleviate the sense of hopelessness and provide a platform for non-violent discourse.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

During the last decade, an international consensus has emerged regarding the strong link between press freedom and alleviating poverty. It is now indisputable that free media are conducive to human development in many ways. Therefore, I welcome the fact that the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day is the effect of the media on reducing poverty.

Lack of access to communication undermines the capacity of the poor to participate in the democratic process, further deepening their sense of being disenfranchised and consolidating their descent into poverty. Frustration and alienation over lack of means of expression lead to dissatisfaction, apathy or violence. Through the spread of information – about initiatives, politics, or circumstances – people feel more ownership over the events shaping their lives. This participation helps people recognize themselves as rights-bearing individuals and enables them to press for the resources and opportunities they need.

In the process of building a prosperous and peaceful society, free media can also contribute to sustainable economic development by improving communication between different stakeholders and all levels of society. Where a free media exists, threatening social conditions are more likely to be addressed in public debates in parliament, and the actions of political officials are more likely to be known and followed by the electorate. By its unique ability to increase transparency, accountability, and good governance, free media is the most efficient and effective weapon in the fight against corruption.

In order to enable it to fulfil these tasks, media must be truly independent, and not just independent of the government. An independent press can and should act as a watchdog and strengthen civil society by ensuring a plurality of opinions in the public marketplace of ideas.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In the long-term, the right to tell and the right to know are essential for equitable development. Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and crucial to the protection and day-to-day realization of many other human rights. It remains the cornerstone for any democratic and civil society. As the Secretary-General put it, “national and global media not only report on change, but are themselves agents of change”. By creating free and professional media – and by learning to live with criticism – we can all contribute to this positive change.

Thank you very much.