U.S. Department of State

“State in 60 Seconds” Video — Press Freedom

Every year, people observe World Press Freedom Day on May 3. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the day’s commemoration, which represents both an occasion to celebrate the right to freedom of expression and an opportunity to recognize the challenges many journalists face as they report the news.

In the first of our “State in 60 Seconds” video series, M. Arsalan Suleman, Counselor for Multilateral Affairs in the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor and the U.S. Deputy Envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), explains how the United States supports press freedom through diplomacy. MORE

Speaking Out on World Press Freedom Day

Members of the press hold placards during a rally to mark World Press Freedom Day in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 3, 2012. [AP Photo]

About the Author: Joanne Levine serves as Senior Advisor in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs.

Hundred of journalists, bloggers, activists and officials from every corner of the globe have descended on Tunis to honor UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Day. From Burma and Bahrain, to Qatar and Zimbabwe, those who write, film, text, and tweet the truth will spend three days listening, discussing, and exchanging ideas about the power — and perils — of free speech.

Over a year ago, Tunisia’s Jasmine revolution sparked transitions throughout the Middle East. Millions have come out, and keep coming, to demand change and the right to express themselves — from Tahrir Square and Benghazi, to Sanaa and Hom.

The clarion call for freedom has not been without its bumps and setbacks.… more »

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers a video message on World Press Freedom Day. [Go to http://video.state.gov for more video and text transcript.]

Free The Press: Supporting Journalists Under Duress

Television crew works as monsoon clouds loom over Arabian Sea in Mumbai, June 20, 2005. [AP File]

About the Author: Tom Melia serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

On May 3, people worldwide will observe World Press Freedom Day, a UNESCO initiative. They will gather in cities and towns, through workshops and seminars, to join in celebrating the universal right of free expression first enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights more than six decades ago.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of addressing the importance of free expression and a free press at the National Endowment for Democracy. I emphasized that a free press is the bedrock of a free, healthy and energetic society. It allows citizens to hold informed opinions, make informed decisions and lead informed lives. It keeps public officials accountable, provides outlets for healthy… more »

Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on World Press Freedom Day

Susan E. Rice
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York, NY
May 3, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On World Press Freedom Day, we salute the world’s journalists and honor all who serve the cause of press freedom—particularly those who do so at great risk.

The right to free expression is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, reinforced by a range of international treaties, and written into numerous national constitutions. In July 2011, a Syrian non-governmental organization earned consultative status in the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations for its work on the issue, underscoring the regard held by the international community for all who labor to protect this fundamental human right.

Today, the organization’s founder is languishing behind bars. Mazen Darwish’s arrest on February 16 without charge or trial—and continuing detention by the Syrian government in solitary confinement—should inflame the conscience of all decent people. It should also be far less common. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 179 journalists were jailed worldwide as of last December. Already in 2012, 17 have been killed simply for being journalists, six of them in Syria—including the veteran American reporter, Marie Colvin.

Earlier this year, President Obama said, “When universal human rights are denied, when the independence of judiciaries or legislatures or the press is threatened, we will speak out.” Today, we raise our voices for all who risk their lives for the idea that no one should be silenced.