Countdown to World Press Freedom Day: IFJ Launches Actions

The International Federation of Journalists is carrying out a number of actions to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day on Saturday, 3 May, 2014.   In the build up to this major milestone in the journalist calendar, during this week the IFJ will announce a series of actions in the name of press freedom and journalists rights – so check your emails for IFJ statements this week and keep an eye on the IFJ website, Twitter and Facebook feeds for updates.  In addition to our actions, the IFJ is also taking part in a major UNESCO conference to mark World Press Freedom Day on 5-6 May in Paris which will focus on the theme of ‘Media Freedom for a Better Future.’ The IFJ will be involved in a range of events and meetings at the major conference involving journalists, UNESCO representatives, other media freedom organisations and political figures, to discuss the importance of media freedom. During the conference we will also be hosting a high profile Security Training for Journalists event aimed at highlighting press issues concerning the safety of journalists across the world and giving first-hand accounts of the daily experiences journalists face while doing their work. Participants, including journalists and their organisations’ leaders, will discuss strategies and programmes that IFJ affiliates have adopted to contribute to their protection, such as training in life- saving skills and multi-level advocacy in combating impunity for violence on journalists. We will keep you up to date on our actions during the UNESCO event.        “World Press Freedom Day is a date on which we evaluate global press freedom, stand up for the rights and freedom of the press and pay tribute to our colleagues who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” said IFJ President Jim Boumelha. “This year, in the build up to May 3, we are taking a series of actions in the name of freedom of expression, press freedom and human rights in countries across the globe. This will be followed by our involvement in the UNESCO event in Paris where we will join the international community to discuss issues such as the role of media in strengthening good governance and the safety of journalists as a prerequisite of the rule of law.” Our first action will be announced tomorrow, Wednesday 30 April, so keep an eye out for IFJ news updates….For more information, please contact IFJ on +32 2 235 22 17
The IFJ represents more than 600 000 journalists in 134 countries