Human Rights Day: EMMA celebrates freedom of expression in Europe

EMMA joins the global community in celebrating “Human Rights Day”, which commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948. In its Article 19, it upholds press freedom as a pillar of a free and democratic society (“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 information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”)

“Freedom of expression and freedom of the press are essential human rights and the pillars of democratic society,” said Auke Visser, EMMA President. “In Europe, the freedom to inform and be informed is a fundamental right that needs to be upheld, but current initiatives at EU-level, such as the EU directive on trade secrets, could pose a threat to press freedom. On behalf of press publishers across Europe, EMMA works to raise awareness of the potential impact such legislation could have on media freedom.”

This year, Human Rights Day is highlighting the four freedoms that underlie this declaration: the freedom from fear, the freedom of speech, the freedom of worship and the freedom from want. It also marks 50 years sign the UN adopted the two international treaties – the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) – which together with the Declaration have become the International Bill of Human Rights.

For more information about Human Rights Day, click here. 

EMMA acknowledges Human Rights Day from EMMA - European Magazine Media on Wibbitz.

For further information contact:

Karin Fleming 
EMMA Communications Manager

karin.fleming@magazinemedia.eu

+32 2 536 0607