UN reminds about necessity to protect journalists

Journalists have to pay high for freedom of expression too often.

The right for freedom of beliefs and their expression is a fundamental right proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is reminded by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and the Director General of UNESCO Irina Bokova in their statement on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day celebrated on May 3, United Nations Radio informs.

Referring to the example of the Arab Spring, they state that modern mass media open new opportunities for communication and exchange of information, transparency and responsibility of the authorities, and eventually help to achieving radical changes in the society.

However, journalists have to pay high for freedom of speech too often. Last year 63 journalists were killed while fulfilling their professional duty. Bloggers face crackdown and intimidation more and more often.

In autumn last year the UN outlined a plan of actions aimed at creation of safe and free conditions for journalistic work worldwide.