official texts and speeches
World Press Freedom Day
According to the International Federation of Journalists, more than 170
journalists and media staff, including from Europe and America, were
killed last year, making 2006 "the bloodiest year on record for
journalism worldwide. Over one thousand members of the media have been
killed since 1996, according to the International News Safety
Institute. These statistics highlight the dangers faced by the media,
as well as the need for the international community to do more to
improve respect for freedom of the press and the safety of journalists.
The United States will continue to promote a free and active press, in
partnership with other governments, multilateral institutions, NGOs and
individuals around the world. We will document press freedom worldwide
in our annual Country Reports on Human Rights, which highlight the
threats facing a free press, and are a tool for governments, NGOs and
citizens. We will promote professional development for journalists,
editors and media managers from countries worldwide, including through
professional exchanges and civic education programs.
We will continue to speak out when press freedoms are threatened, as
many did when Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya was brutally
murdered in 2006. As U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said,
Anna Politkovskaya “stood for what is best in independent journalism, a
willingness to try to get to the truth at whatever cost.”
Ms. Politkovskaya understood that for journalists, freedom of the press
carries not only rights but also responsibilities, e.g. to provide the
public with accurate information. According to the International
Principles of Professional Ethics in Journalism, a journalist shares
responsibility for this information “and is thus accountable not only
to those controlling the media but ultimately to the public at large…”
As UNESCO points out, today “is also a day of reflection for media
professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.”
Today, we salute those media professionals who paid the ultimate
sacrifice, and those who continue to serve their fellow citizens with
integrity, responsibility and dedication to reporting the truth. We
also reaffirm our goal of making 2007 a safer and freer year for
journalists and media workers everywhere.