IIMSAM Middle East Office Observed World Press Freedom Day
IIMSAM Middle East Director & Goodwill Ambassador Dr. Naseer Homoud message on World Press Freedom Day. He urged for ensuring freedom of speech and expression and right to information to be accessible for everyone.
Doha, Qatar, May 04, 2010 --(PR.com)-- While observing the World Press Freedom Day Dr. Naseer Homoud Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council while addressing the media said “World Press Freedom Day among other things provided an opportunity to affirm the importance of freedom of expression and press freedom - a fundamental human right enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Homoud urged that this day traditionally honors the courageous journalists around the world who often practice their art facing repressive regimes. “On this eve of Press Freedom Day, I would like to expand this notion to celebrate the media professionals who are committed to bringing independent media and quality news and information to nations around the world.” He urged that press and media is the fourth pillar of democracy and without freedom being given to press “we cannot dream for a society organized on concepts of social equality”. He added.
The theme of this year celebrations of this day is Freedom of Information: the Right to Know. While stressing on the basic right of information Dr. Homoud said, “media has to take this responsibility of awareness among the masses- be it an issue related to any spectrum of life. The powerful position which media enjoys should be channelized for ultimate benefit of the mankind.” He further added “It was an irrefutable axiom that no society could be totally free without a free press. It was only through a free press that it was possible to hear the voice of the weak and the small. Indeed, it is an accepted wisdom now that a free press is a fundamental prerequisite for development of the society at large.”
Dr. Homoud while advocating for the free media and right to information and awareness to be regarded as one of the vital rights said, “the press must use its freedom to awaken latent consciences and sometimes to challenge the established order. It is finally the best guardian of liberty, change and progress.” He further drew attention towards Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which reads everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
“This Day symbolizes the key importance of freedom of media and information. A free press has a responsibility to provide voice to citizens and create an environment where all major issues of consequence that may create an impact on the masses can be discussed. Free media may have a major role in social-economical development. Press is also responsible for shaping cultural identities,” Dr. Homoud said while addressing the gathering.
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Speaking on the occasion Dr. Homoud urged that this day traditionally honors the courageous journalists around the world who often practice their art facing repressive regimes. “On this eve of Press Freedom Day, I would like to expand this notion to celebrate the media professionals who are committed to bringing independent media and quality news and information to nations around the world.” He urged that press and media is the fourth pillar of democracy and without freedom being given to press “we cannot dream for a society organized on concepts of social equality”. He added.
The theme of this year celebrations of this day is Freedom of Information: the Right to Know. While stressing on the basic right of information Dr. Homoud said, “media has to take this responsibility of awareness among the masses- be it an issue related to any spectrum of life. The powerful position which media enjoys should be channelized for ultimate benefit of the mankind.” He further added “It was an irrefutable axiom that no society could be totally free without a free press. It was only through a free press that it was possible to hear the voice of the weak and the small. Indeed, it is an accepted wisdom now that a free press is a fundamental prerequisite for development of the society at large.”
Dr. Homoud while advocating for the free media and right to information and awareness to be regarded as one of the vital rights said, “the press must use its freedom to awaken latent consciences and sometimes to challenge the established order. It is finally the best guardian of liberty, change and progress.” He further drew attention towards Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which reads everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
“This Day symbolizes the key importance of freedom of media and information. A free press has a responsibility to provide voice to citizens and create an environment where all major issues of consequence that may create an impact on the masses can be discussed. Free media may have a major role in social-economical development. Press is also responsible for shaping cultural identities,” Dr. Homoud said while addressing the gathering.
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Contact
IIMSAM Middle East Regional Office
Farrukh Khan
974 465 3332
www.iimsam.org
Farrukh Khan
974 465 3332
www.iimsam.org
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