The Foreign Secretary marks World Press Freedom Day
6 May 2014 11:58 AM
Foreign Secretary celebrates World Press Freedom
Day and condemns restrictions around the world.
Foreign Secretary William Hague said:
Freedom of expression and a free press are fundamental
to human rights. A free press is essential to a flourishing democracy, to
innovation and creativity, and to a stable and inclusive society. Actions that
undermine or restrict freedom of expression and the media threaten all of those
things.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day draws
attention to the contribution that a free media makes to the social and
economic development of countries around the world. Access to uncensored
information and a free press are essential for citizens to hold their
governments to account. This helps to ensure governments are effective and
responsive, which is crucial for long-term development.
In
this regard, I am deeply concerned by the harassment and detention of
journalists in Egypt, including the twenty Al-Jazeera staff whose trial resumes
today, and by the clamp down on freedom of information in Russia and the
intimidation and detention of journalists by separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Repression against journalists and the suppression of free speech are a serious
threat to human rights in any country.
Further information
Visit the FCO World Press Freedom
Day blogs page
Follow the Foreign Secretary on twitter @WilliamJHague
Follow the FCO’s human rights work on
twitter @FCOhumanrights
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