UNITED NATIONS - United Nations Secretary-General Ban ki-moon on Thursday deplored as “unacceptable” attacks on journalists in a world ever more reliant on global news outlets and the men and women who serve them.
“Freedom of expression, independent media and universal access to knowledge will fortify our efforts to achieve lasting results for people and the planet,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, opening a briefing at UN Headquarters on “Media freedom for a better future: shaping the post-2015 development agenda.”
“Freedom of expression, independent media and universal access to knowledge will fortify our efforts to achieve lasting results for people and the planet,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, opening a briefing at UN Headquarters on “Media freedom for a better future: shaping the post-2015 development agenda.”
The discussion mirrors the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day  – observed annually on 3 May –  which, alongwith proving an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of this freedom and to pay tribute to the
journalists that have lost their lives in the line of duty, will spotlight the media’s importance in development; the safety of journalists and the rule of law; and the sustainability and integrity of journalism.
In his remarks, the Secretary General said that every day of the year, the fundamental freedom to receive and impart ideas through any media is under assault, “to the detriment of us all.”  Indeed, journalists are being singled out for speaking or writing uncomfortable truths – kidnapped, detained, beaten and sometimes murdered, he said.  “Such treatment is completely unacceptable in a world ever more reliant on global news outlets and the journalists who serve them,” the UN chief said.