In 1993, the General Assembly declared 3 May as World Press Freedom Day, on the recommendation of the UNESCO General Conference which by a 1991 resolution on "Promotion of press freedom in the world", had recognized that a free, pluralistic and independent press was an essential component of any democratic society.

That date coincides with the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration adopted on 3 May 1991and throughout the world, this day reminds the public of violations of the right to freedom of expression and that many journalists  around the world risk their lives by professional choice, in an effort to promote the free flow of information, asserting press freedom on behalf of all members of society.

Prepared by the Information Technology Section, Department of Public Information © United Nations 2001