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Difference Day celebrates freedom of expression and of the press
On 3 May 2016, World Press Freedom Day, the second edition of Difference Day will be held in Brussels. Difference Day celebrates people, institutions and organisations that promote freedom of expression and of the press.
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In 1993 the UN General Assembly declared 3 May World Press Freedom Day, with the aim of raising awareness of issues surrounding freedom of the press. The day also serves to remind governments of their obligation to respect freedom of expression on human rights grounds.
A relevant issue
The issue of press freedom is still highly relevant. The attacks on the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris on 7 January 2015 are still etched into our collective memory. But these attacks are part of a much larger problem. Since 1992 more than 1,100 journalists have been killed just for doing their jobs. More than one-third of the global population lives in countries where press freedom is restricted. Even in democratic countries, press freedom and freedom of expression are often less than ideal. Freedoms are often challenged and threatened by political, economic, religious and other authorities.
Difference Day
The EU Presidency is an official Difference Day partner. On 3 May keynote speeches and parallel sessions featuring films, debates and exhibitions on the various aspects and challenges associated with freedom of expression and freedom of the press will be held at the Centre for Fine Arts (BOZAR) in Brussels. The full programme is available on the Difference Day website.
