[Aps 3/5/04] Paris - Unesco celebrates World Press Freedom Day (May 3rd) in Belgrade, where a conference on the situation of journalists in conflict zones is scheduled. Unesco Director General Matsuura Koichiro considered that "this year’s chosen theme is tragically fitting in view of the fatalities and injuries suffered by media professionals reporting on armed conflicts" where "each year a number of journalists lose their lives in the course of pursuing their profession." He also stressed on the importance of a "free and pluralistic media" for "building inclusive societies, securing respect for human rights, empowering civil society and promoting development." In another message, Unesco Director General, commenting the reports of professional organizations, expressed his strong concern about the number of journalists killed in 2003, "in the course of pursuing their profession," was the highest since 1995. These reports estimate that 36 to 42 journalists on a mission were killed worldwide last year. Some 14 to 19 journalists died in Iraq, five in Philippines and three in Colombia. To celebrate World Press Freedom Day, Unesco has launched a web site providing information on the events organised worldwide. |
http://www.aps.dz/an/pageview.asp?ID=62118
