“Freedom of Press: the Right to Know” is the theme of the exhibition that opened in Yerevan today to mark World Press Freedom Day.
The event, organized by the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia NGO in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, USAID Armenia and OSCE Yerevan Office, brought together journalists, representatives of state institutions and civil society in Armenia.
The aim of the one-week exhibition is to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of exercising the right to information, and to remind the government, media representatives and the public at large of their role in achieving this right. The photos and caricatures included in the exhibition, over 70 in all, will be published in a special catalogue devoted to International Press Freedom Day.
“World Press Freedom Day is one of those universally celebrated significant days, which underlines the importance of freedom of information and expression. Everyone has the right to have his own opinion, express it, as well as get information through any media. The European Union has always called for a pluralistic press and other media”, said Mr. Onno Simons, Head of the Political, Economic, Press and Information Section of the EU’s Delegation to Armenia.
U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern made remarks commending the organizers and commenting on the importance of a free press and access to information for a well-functioning democracy in the era of technology and digitalization. He urged journalists to investigate and analyze the information made available through the Freedom of Information Law to bring issues to the general public’s attention, and encouraged the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia to continue its good work.
“The photography presented here today is a real testament to individual creativity and freedom of expression. The OSCE is pleased to be part of this event, and I personally appreciate how each image captures a unique aspect of the experience of being a citizen in Armenia” said Oliver McCoy, Democratization Officer of the OSCE’s Office in Yerevan.
The President of the Freedom of Information Centre, Shushan Doydoyan, added: “This year the exhibition participants were especially active. We received more than 500 photos and caricatures on the topic. In the photos the heroes voice their disagreement towards violence against press freedom, as well as their right to access information despite the obstacles and barriers they face.”
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated across the globe every May 3 to commemorate the fundamental principles of media freedom. The event calls on member states to guarantee and promote the freedom of information and to remind civil society organizations, other relevant stakeholders, and the news media in particular, of their central part in furthering it.
