May 3rd is World Press Freedom Day. This year we will also celebrate its 20th anniversary since 3rd May was first proclaimed World Press Freedom Day at the UN General Assembly in 1993.

The global theme for 2013 is “Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in All Media” which focuses on the safety of journalists, the issue of impunity, and online safety. There is also a special focus on the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

For the event of World Press Freedom Day, the Globe International Center NGO has launched online discussions on freedom of expression and media development in Mongolia.

It is reported that over 600 journalists and media staff have been killed in the past 10 years. That means journalists lose their lives every week in order to deliver news to the public.

Governments, organizations and Trade Unions focus on the possibility of cutting risks for punishments and charges against press freedom.

For World Press Freedom Day, the UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon and Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, delivered a joint message to member countries:

“Freedom of expression is one of our most precious rights. It underpins every other freedom and provides a foundation for human dignity. Free, pluralistic and independent media is essential for its exercise.

This is the message of World Press Freedom Day. Media freedom entails the freedom to hold opinions and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers, as stated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This freedom is essential for healthy and vibrant societies.

Media freedom also faces severe pressures across the world. Last year, UNESCO condemned the killing of 62 journalists who died as a result of their work. These journalists must not be forgotten and these crimes should not remain unpunished. As media moves online, more online journalists, including bloggers, are being harassed, attacked, and killed for their work. They must receive the same protection as traditional media workers.

World Press Freedom Day is our opportunity to raise the flag in the fight to advance media freedom. We call on States, professional media and non-governmental organisations everywhere to join forces with the United Nations to promote online and offline freedom of expression in accordance with internationally accepted principles. This is a pillar of individual rights, a foundation for healthy societies and a force for social transformation”.