The Commonwealth
Message from the Commonwealth Secretariat on World Press Freedom Day
3 May 2012
Statement by Secretariat Spokesperson
On World Press Freedom Day, the Commonwealth Secretariat reaffirms the
strong attachment the association places on a free and responsible
press in promoting democracy, development and diversity.
Commonwealth leaders have consistently re-affirmed their commitment to
promoting the fundamental values and principles of the association,
which include freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
The challenge is to translate these commitments into action - moving
beyond declarations to walking the talk.
Our priority at the Commonwealth Secretariat is to continue working
with member states to assist them to observe what they have agreed to
do.
There cannot be a properly functioning democracy without a free and
responsible press.
We shall continue to support the development of responsible and
professional journalism, while at the same time working to ensure that
there is a conducive political, legal and economic environment for
journalists to operate from.
Richard Uku
Spokesperson and Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Commonwealth Secretariat
