EU-erklæring i anledning den internasjonale dagen for pressefrihet

On this  day we celebrate the World Press Freedom Day. On the 25th anniversary of the  Windhoek Declaration the EU wishes to recall the principle that "the  establishment, maintenance and fostering of an independent, pluralistic and free  press is essential to the development and maintenance of democracy in a nation,  and for economic development".

The right to freedom of opinion and  expression includes freedom to seek, receive and impart information. It is a key  component of democratic governance and development. People need to be fully  informed to be able to form an opinion and participate in decision-making  processes that affect their lives. Freedom of information also contributes to  better governance as it enhances transparency in public affairs and can be used  as a tool to make governments accountable for their actions, in particular when  access to information results in the exposure of human rights violations or  corruption practices.

Ensuring access to information can serve to promote  justice and reparation, in particular after periods of grave violations of human  rights.

The EU is committed to continue promoting and protecting freedom  of opinion and expression worldwide, not only offline but also in relation to  the cyberspace and other information communication technologies, as highlighted  by the adoption in 2014 of the EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of  Expression Online and Offline. 

It condemns the increasing level of  intimidation and violence that journalists, Human Rights Defenders, media actors  and other individuals face in many countries across the world when exercising  the right to freedom of opinion and expression online and offline. 

In  addition to combating outright violence the EU is determined to fight against  laws or practices that impose censorship, encourage self-censorship or provide  legal penalties, including criminal, financial and administrative sanctions, as  well as against the misuse of market powers and poor economic conditions.

The EU reaffirms its determination to promote and support, freedoms of  opinion and expression as rights to be exercised by everyone everywhere, based  on the principles of equality, non-discrimination and universality - through any  media and regardless of frontiers.

This is your Right!