Monday, May 4 2020 11:00

ArmInfo. On World Press Freedom Day, we pay tribute to the essential role of journalism in upholding online and offline freedom of expression in democratic societies and fostering transparency and accountability. This is stated in the  Declaration by the High Representative Josep Borrell, on behalf of  the European Union, on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day.

''The COVID-19 crisis has brought the importance of the work of the  press into sharp relief. In times of uncertainty, more than ever,  access to reliable fact-checked information, that is free from undue  interference and influence, is crucial and contributes to a more  resilient society. It is a matter of concern that the COVID-19  pandemic is being used in some countries as a pretext for imposing  undue restrictions on freedom of the press'', Borrell stressed.

Despite the additional risks and challenges arising from COVID-19  pandemic, journalists and media workers all over the world are  continuing their essential work, sometimes in difficult  circumstances. They are giving a voice to the most vulnerable, making  sure their stories are heard. They are bringing testimonies from less  accessible areas, including conflict zones. They are providing  essential information about the often devastating impact of the  pandemic in different parts of the world as well as uplifting stories  of solidarity and courage.

Journalists are pivotal in facilitating the debate on how societies  can prepare better for challenges as those we are facing and  ultimately how they can become safer, more prosperous and more  sustainable. Journalists must be able to work freely. Today, perhaps  more than ever, freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democratic  societies, which can thrive only if citizens have access to reliable  information and can make informed choices.  Journalism helps to  detect and counter disinformation.

In too many countries journalists have to contend with restrictive  legislation, sometimes ascribed to the COVID-19 emergency, that curbs  freedom of expression and the freedom of the press. Internet  shutdowns and website closures are proliferating.  Reporters,  especially women, are subject to smear campaigns, financial pressure  and attacks by government or partisan media outlets, often forcing  them to self-censor. Too many face harassment, arbitrary arrest and  imprisonment.  Too many have lost their lives for doing their work.

The European Union is working at home and abroad to counter the  health, human rights and socio-economic implications of the pandemic,  including on media houses.  While uncompromising on the need to  uphold freedom of expression, the EU's response also focuses on  fighting disinformation about COVID-19. This involves promoting  trustworthy sources, demoting false or misleading content, and taking  down content that is illegal.  These actions can only succeed if they  can build on the conscientious work of committed and courageous  journalists, whose daily efforts make societies safer, fairer and  more democratic.

Today, the EU strongly reaffirms its continued support for the key  role of independent and reliable media all around the world. Press  freedom is a right, not just of media professionals, but of each and  every one of us'', he concluded. 

Andrea Wiktorin, head of the EU delegation to Armenia, also sent her  message on the occasion of the press day. She congratulated all media  workers on their professional holiday and pointed out the important  role of media in terms of developing democracy and pluralism of  opinions.

"These days, you continue to work in extremely difficult conditions.  You are the ones who bring the facts to the public, not to frighten  people but to give them real information. Under these difficult  conditions, your work is essential, and I would like to thank you  that you are so engaged. We are facing all over the world right now a  problem of this information and we have to cope with this problem.  And in the times of Covid 19 this is even more crucial because it  makes people anxious. And this doesn't help. And it is your task to  help us to bring the real news to the people so that they can take  their decisions and hopefully all follow social distancing. I thank  you all very much. The EU is deeply convinced that the freedom of  media and the freedom of press are essential and we stand with all  journalists who are facing difficulties all over the world.