- By Halimah Olamide
The Vatican on Wednesday said the world cannot do without journalists who are free to carry their constitutionally authorized responsibilities.
Pope Francis, in his message on the occasion of the International Press Freedom Day, said the state of health of every country is determined by the state of freedom of its press.
The world marks the International World Press Freedom Day on May 3.
“Press Freedom is an important indicator of a country’s state of health. In fact, dictatorships are quick to restrict it or suppress it. We need journalists who are free, who help us not to forget many situations of suffering.”
According to the United Nations, “2023 year marks the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. Three decades have passed since it was proclaimed in 1993, in which we have seen substantial progress towards achieving a free press and freedom of expression around the world. The proliferation of independent media in many countries and the rise of digital technologies have enabled the free flow of information. However, media freedom, safety of journalists and freedom of expression are increasingly under attack, which impacts the fulfillment of other human rights.”