Declaration by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the European Union on World Press Freedom Day - Main contents

On the occasion of this World Press Freedom Day, the European Union recalls those journalists and other media professionals who have sacrificed their lives or liberty in their efforts to present news and comment to the public at large.

The European Union is a strong advocate of the right to freedom of expression. It is firmly committed to the respect for freedom and pluralism of the media as outlined in Article 11 of the European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. It regards this as a cornerstone of democracy and a vital component in the protection of all other freedoms and liberties.

The European Union is deeply concerned by the threats that exist towards media freedom and considers the killing, intimidation and imprisonment of journalists as a serious infringement of media freedom. It strongly condemns any deprivation of the liberty to exercise the freedom of expression as a violation of human dignity, and reaffirms the freedom of expression as a Fundamental Right, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The European Union emphasises that media pluralism and freedom extends to new technologies, including the Internet. New technologies promote freedom of expression by providing individuals with unprecedented access to information about human rights and the ability to make abuses known to the rest of the world, as well as promoting other human rights. Still there are too many obstacles around the world, hindering the right to information.

The European Union recalls the consensus reached at the Human Rights Council on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, which recognises the importance of the Internet in the exercise, promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. It urges all States to take all necessary measures to guarantee that the right of freedom of expression in all its forms is respected through respect for international human rights standards and in cooperation with all relevant international actors.