UNESCO has launched a website dedicated to the World Press Freedom Day to be celebrated in Medellin, Colombia on May 3. The website provides regular news services, practical information, more detail on the conference, speakers and participants.
This year’s event consists of a two-day conference on the theme “Press Freedom, Safety of Journalists and Impunity†and the award of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize 2007.
This year UNESCO is observing the the 10th anniversary of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Press Freedom Prize. The choice of Guillermo Cano’s homeland for this year’s ceremony is particularly “appropriate†considering the themes of journalist safety and impunity. Guillermo Cano Isaza was assassinated on December 17, 1986 in Bogota for his fearless denouncement of the drug-trafficking mafia. The fact that his murderers have not been brought to justice is an unfortunate reflection of today’s reality.
The murder of Guillermo Cano, director of the Colombian daily newspaper “El Espectador,†is significant as regards unpunished crimes against journalists. Guillermo Cano Isaza was assassinated on December 17, 1986 in front of the newspaper’s exit in Bogota by two hired killers. Cano was a victim of the drug-trafficking mafias, which he fearlessly denounced and about whose harmful effects on Colombian society he cautioned. The magistrates in charge of the investigation became the objects of threats and bribes, with some being murdered for rejecting such bribes. The life of Guillermo Cano, his courage, his commitment to independent journalism and the tenacity with which he fought for his country are an example for the rest of the world to follow.
Twentyone years after the death of Cano, violence against media professionals and their institutions remains one of the greatest threats to freedom of expression and press freedom. According to Reporters sans Frontières (RSF), 75 journalists and 32 media staff were killed last year making 2006 the deadliest year on record.
Around 150 participants, representing media institutions, NGOs, government, universities and other organisations are expected to attend this event. Media specialists and participants will discuss the strong link between press freedom and the safety of journalists during the two-day conference on 3-4 May 2007. On the recommendation of an independent jury, the World Press Freedom Prize will be awarded to this year’s chosen laureate at the ceremony on May 3, 2007.
The UNESCO World Press Freedom Day website can be accessed here.
