UN chief deplores attacks on journalists

UNITED NATIONS – Secretary-General Ban ki-moon on Thursday deplored as “unacceptable” attacks on journalists in a world ever more reliant on news outlets and the men and women who serve them.

Freedom of expression independent media and universal access to knowledge will fortify our efforts to achieve lasting results for people and the planet,” said Ban Ki-moon, opening a briefing at UN Headquarters on “Media freedom for a better future: shaping the post-2015 development agenda.”

His remarks will be welcomed by Panama media outlets subject to increasing pressures and attacks by the current administration.
The discussion mirrors the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day – observed annually on 3 May – which, alongvwith proving an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of this freedom and to pay tribute to the
journalists that have lost their lives in theline of duty, will spotlight the media’s importance in development; the safety of journalists and the rule of law; and the sustainability and integrity of journalism.