Al-Hammadi on 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day: Actions to protect freedom of the press should be evaluated

Mohammed Al-Hammadi, President of the UAE Journalists Association and Assistant President of the General Federation of Arab Journalists, called for promoting freedom of the press, supporting journalists around the world, and protecting journalists while performing their work.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the declaration of World Press Freedom Day, which UNESCO celebrates on May 3, Al-Hammadi said, “After these years, it is useful for the United Nations General Assembly and the international community to review the gains and evaluate the achievements made in the interest of freedom of the press during the past three decades, especially the new situation in which the digital space has become unregulated and has even become a fertile ground for the spread of false information and propaganda.”

Journalists around the world need more support in order to enhance their role and create better conditions commensurate with the nature of their work, Al-Hammadi added, stressing the role of press freedom in promoting human rights and pointing to the direct link between them. Through the protection of the freedom of expression, human rights can be protected all over the world.

Al-Hammadi praised the role played by journalists in the UAE and their contribution to highlighting national and social issues, adopting a positive approach to raising public issues, and enlightening public opinion with facts in light of the Emirati leadership's permanent support for professional and responsible media.

Al-Hammadi also referred to the sacrifices of journalists in the Arab region in order to uncover facts, especially in areas of war and conflict, urging the United Nations to activate its Resolution 68/168 regarding the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity for crimes committed against them.