UNESCO is the only body of the UN with a mission to promote the right to freedom of expression along with freedom of press and information. Recognising that press freedom and pluralism are necessary preconditions for any democratic state, UNESCO:
- Offers technical support to its Member States e.g. on regulatory issues of media
- Promotes and finances programmes that support the universal access to information and knowledge
- Develops policies for press freedom in its Member States
- Supports the independent media in areas of conflict so that they can contribute to conflict prevention and resolution
- Organises seminars to raise awareness regarding the freedom of expression and the protection of Personal Data online.
The 3rd of May has been established by UNESCO as the World Press Freedom Day. During this day the annual award UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize is awarded to people or organizations that fight for the defence of press freedom anywhere in the world, especially under situations that involved risk.
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