Minister of Foreign Affairs marks World Press Freedom Day

Statement

May 3, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“On World Press Freedom Day, we reflect on the important role of a free press in defending human rights, inclusion and diversity; in holding the powerful to account; in demanding transparency from governments; and in protecting the rule of law and strengthening democracy.

“Today, freedom of the press is under great threat. Last year, 54 members of the media were killed around the world and another 250 were imprisoned just for doing their jobs. The four deadliest recorded years for journalists occurred within the last 10 years.

“The abhorrent murder of Saudi Arabian columnist Jamal Khashoggi, the illegal detention of Ukrainian writer and filmmaker Oleg Sentsov by Russia, the harassment and intimidation of Philippine journalist and activist Maria Ressa, and the imprisonment of Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo in Myanmar are but a few examples of this worrying global trend.

“Canada condemns anyone who in any way intimidates and harasses journalists working in defence of the truth, and we will seize every opportunity to speak up and defend press freedom.

“In July, Canada will co-host the Global Conference for Media Freedom, alongside the United Kingdom, as we work to further advance the cause of a free and independent media.”

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaFP
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s foreign policy - Global Affairs Canada

Search for related information by keyword: Foreign affairs | Global Affairs Canada | Canada | World issues | general public | statements

Page details

Date modified: