Friday, May 09, 2008

World Press Freedom Day

Every year, May 3rd is a date dedicated to events which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom. On the day, we pause
  • to evaluate press freedom around the world,
  • to defend the media from attacks on their independence and
  • to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
This year's UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize was awarded to Mexican journalist Lydia Cacho Ribeiro. Members of the Prize's independent jury were impressed by her courage as she continues to expose political corruption, organized crime and domestic violence in the face of death threats, an attempt on her life and legal battles. The Prize, which honors the memory of the murdered Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano, is awarded every year by the UNESCO Director-General and since 2007 is supported by the U.S.-based Ottaway Foundation.

Links of interest

President Bush's Statement on World Press Freedom Day

Article: World Press Freedom Day Supports Journalists Facing Threats

USAID Press Release on World Press Freedom

2008 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize awarded to Mexican reporter Lydia Cacho Ribeiro

UNESCO World Press Freedom Day Website

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