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U.N. calls for free media worldwide

Anticipating World Press Freedom Day, May 3, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke of free media as vital to freedom and development.

By Ed Adamczyk
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon briefs correspondents on the decision by the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Armed Forces to participate in the upcoming Geneva Conference on Syria at the United Nations in New York City on January 19, 2014. He also said that he has issued an invitation to Iran to participate. UPI/Emmanuel Dunand/HO
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon briefs correspondents on the decision by the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Armed Forces to participate in the upcoming Geneva Conference on Syria at the United Nations in New York City on January 19, 2014. He also said that he has issued an invitation to Iran to participate. UPI/Emmanuel Dunand/HO | License Photo

UNITED NATIONS, May 1 (UPI) -- Ahead of World Press Freedom Day, May 3, the United Nations Thursday urged governments worldwide to defend free media as a fundamental right.

“Freedom of expression, independent media and universal access to knowledge will fortify our efforts to achieve lasting results,” U.N. secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said at a meeting at U.N. headquarters on “Media Freedom for a Better Future.”

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He mentioned that, in the line of duty, 70 journalists were killed in 2013, many caught in the crossfire of armed hostilities, and 14 have been killed thus far in 2014. Over 1,000 journalists have been killed, and more imprisoned or forced into exile, since 1992.

“These are alarming statistics. Behind each statistic stands a man or woman simply going about their lawful business,” he added.

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