Media: Freedom in Focus

„Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart infomation and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers”. (Article 19—Universal Declaration of Human Rights). This right is increasingly recognized, but often not enacted, or blocked by so many obstacles that it cannot function. UNESCO, on the invitation of its Member States, has undertaken the task of „promoting the free flow of information at international and national levels…and better balanced dissemination of information without any obstacle to freedom of expression”. Taking the global situation into account (see below), and despite the paradoxal hesitation of donors, the Organization has launched activities promoting media independence at an ethical and legislative level, through better training for journalists, by supporting a vast operation to bolster Africa's new newspapers and offering emergency help to the media of ex-Yugoslavia.