Freedom of the press: EU and UN emphasize importance of the media

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on Sunday, the United Nations and the European Commission emphasized the importance of journalism for democracy and peace. The media can contribute to dialog, reconciliation and mutual understanding, said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon in New York. The work of journalists challenges one-sided or entrenched views on religious or political differences and gives minorities a voice.
EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel has warned against restrictions on press freedom. "Without freedom of reporting, there is no democracy," said Michel in Brussels. A poorly informed society is a sick society. Development, human rights and democracy can only exist "if free and independent media are allowed to raise questions and initiate debates".

Appeal to China, Cuba and Eritrea
In addition, 125 media representatives worldwide are in prison because of their work. Some have been imprisoned for years, some even for more than a decade. Ban appealed in particular to China, Cuba and Eritrea to allow the arrested journalists the right to a fair trial.
"Murder and arrests are only the most obvious ways in which journalists are silenced. They often practice self-censorship out of fear. This is also unacceptable; journalists must be able to do their work without intimidation and harassment," Ban emphasized.

Lorenzo Natali Prize 2009 announced
In cooperation with the organization Reporters Without Borders and the World Association of Newspapers, the EU Commission awarded the Lorenzo Natali Prize 2009. Since 1992, this international prize has been awarded to journalists whose reporting promotes human rights, democracy and development.