Rep. Schiff Introduces World Press Freedom Day Resolution
Washington, D.C.— Today, Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced a resolution in honor of World Press Freedom Day to condemn threats to freedom of the press around the world, commemorate the courage demonstrated by journalists and media workers, and call on President Biden and the State Department to further U.S. leadership on press freedom domestically and globally.
In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly declared May 3rd to be “World Press Freedom Day” to celebrate the fundamental principles of freedom of the press, evaluate freedom of the press around the world, defend the media against attacks on its independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives conducting their critical work.
Schiff’s resolution comes at a pivotal time for press freedom globally. According to Reporters Without Borders, 521 journalists were in prison and 84 were missing as of December 14, 2023. Last year alone, 45 journalists around the world were killed in direct connection with their work.
“A free press is vital for a healthy and durable democracy. As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day, we must acknowledge and address the alarming trends of increased imprisonment and attacks on journalists. Journalism is not a crime. And the United States must remain a staunch supporter of press freedom, both at home and abroad,” said Rep. Schiff.
In 2006, Schiff co-founded the Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press to highlight the importance of a free and open press to democracy, as well as draw attention to censorship by repressive regimes and the persecution of journalists. Since then, Schiff has stood up for journalists around the world that have been threatened, persecuted, and jailed for reporting the truth or shining a light on the stories that the powerful or violent would rather keep in the shadows.
Read the full text of Schiff’s resolution HERE.
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