Freedom of Expression

UNESCO promotes freedom of expression and freedom of the press as a basic human right, through sensitization and monitoring activities and fosters media independence and pluralism as prerequisites and major factors of democratization by providing advisory services on media legislation and sensitizing governments, parliamentarians and other decision-makers.

Chief among other UNESCO activities in this field: the proclamation in 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly of a World Press Freedom Day to be celebrated on May 3; the establishment of an advisory group on press freedom including media professionals from all parts of the world; the establishment in 1997 of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.

UNESCO supports independent media in zones of conflict in order to enable them to play an active role in conflict prevention and resolution and the transition towards a culture of peace.

Peace and Tolerance

UNESCO is increasingly being asked to assist, together with the other United Nations system organizations, funds and programs, in seeking solutions in conflict prevention, emergency assistance and post-conflict peace-building. Freedom of the press, pluralism and independence of the media, development of community newspapers and radio stations are crucial to the re-establishment of social bonds and to the reconciliation process.