{*IF's Headlines: Are We Free To Speak?*}

I tell you, in my opinion, the cornerstone of democracy is free press- that's the cornerstone. 

-Milos Forman

Freedom of the Press is a right given to the media which includes printing and electronic media to exercise freely without interference from any government body or any overreaching state. Every newspaper or magazine or website has the right to publish any matter without government restriction and subject to the laws of libel, obscenity, sedition, etc.

The United Nations 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, "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 regardless of frontiers."  

World Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3^rd May is a date which is celebrated as Press Freedom Day.Every year, on this day, the celebration of the fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluation of press freedom around the world, defending the media from attacks on their independence and tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession is carried out.

It serves as an occasion to inform citizens of violations of press freedom- how in lot of countries, publications are still censored, suspended and closed down while journalists and publishers are still harassed, attacked and even murdered.

Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and the Rule of Law

In 2018, UNESCO will lead the 25^th celebration of World Press Freedom Day. The main event is jointly organized by UNESCO and the Government of Republic of Ghana and will take place in Accra, Ghana on 2^nd and 3^rd May. This year's global theme is Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and the Rule of Law.' It will cover issues of Media and the transparency of the political process, the independence and media literacy of the judicial system and the accountability of state institutions towards the public. It will also examine contemporary challenges of ensuring press freedom online.