World Press Freedom Day ^Featured

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in his message on World Press Freedom Day says press freedom is important to not only citizens but their government as well.

“Press freedom and the free flow of information are necessary not only to inform citizens about the goals but to enable them to hold their leaders accountable for fulfilling the pledges they have made,” he said.

“A free, independent and safe media environment is essential. Yet all too often, journalists are threatened, harassed, obstructed or even killed in pursuit of information.”

Ban Ki-Moon urged stakeholders to make a commitment and protect the freedom of the media.

“I urge all governments, politicians, businesses and citizens to commit to nurturing and protecting an independent, free media. Without this fundamental right, people are less free and less empowered. With it, we can work together for a world of dignity and opportunity for all.”

In 2012, the Ministry of MEIDECC launched the Freedom of Information Policy to promote a culture of openness amongst government agencies making information available to the public.

The policy is a vital step in creating a more accountable but most importantly a more transparent government where the public and the press can access information.

This would also mean that media operators should be responsible for providing factual and accurate information to the public.

The World Press Freedom Day’s main event will co-host by UNESCO and the Government of Finland and the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize Ceremony in 2016 which will take place in Helsinki, Finland, from 2-4 May 2016.

Government of Tonga