What is Human Rights Day?
The UN General Assembly [1]proclaimed 10 December as Human Rights Day in 1950, to bring to the attention ‘of the peoples of the world’ the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.
In 2013, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights marks 20 years [2] since its establishment.
We're also marking the 20th anniversary World Press Freedom Day, which was inspired by the Windhoek Declaration [3].
What is the Pan-African Day of Action?
Publishers, journalists, editors, radio & TV broadcasters and civic society across the continent on Human Rights Day will re-publish the Declaration of Table Mountain [4] and the Midrand Declaration [5] to engage the community in discussion about the importance of a free press.
What is the Declaration of Table Mountain?
The Declaration [6] is an earnest appeal to all Africans, particularly those in power, to recognise that the political and economic progress they seek flourishes in a climate where the press is free and independent of governmental, political or economic control. The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers, and the World Editors Forum at its annual meeting in 2007 stated that press freedom remains a key to the establishment of good governance and durable economic, political, social and cultural development, prosperity and peace in Africa, and to the fight against corruption, famine, poverty, violent conflict, disease, and lack of education.
What is the Midrand Declaration?
The Midrand Declaration [7] was made in May, 2013 at the Pan-African Parliament and encourages heads of state to sign the Declaration of Table Mountain and ask that the parliament and its members embarks on a campaign the “Press Freedom for Development and Governance: Need for Reform”.
The Campaign:
1. Re-publish the Declarations or discuss them in your newspapers and online. Talk about them on your radio shows or TV programmes. Write an editorial about the importance of a free press and public ask your president to sign the Declaration of Table Mountain and endorse the Midrand Declaration.
2. Engage with your country's 5 Pan-African Parliament members [8]. Find out who they are here. [8] Organise a public debate on Tuesday 10 December, Human Rights Day and invite them to a reception at your media club. The Midrand Declaration was passed unanimously, so your 5 members endorse it. We now need to turn words into action, so invite your Information Minister to the reception and start the discussion on a free press. Invite them to your radio programme. Interview them for your newspaper.
3. Share this campaign with your colleagues. We want as many media organisations and civil society groups to publish these declarations on 10 December as possible. Tweet: Endorse Declaration of Table Mountain & Midrand Declaration for a free press in Africahttp://tinyurl.com/HRDay13 #HRday #Africa
4. Talk to experts. We have a list of experts in your country or region who can share insight and talk about the importance of a free press. We have journalists, academics, politicians, lawyers and civil society members who can help build your story to share with your community. Contact: alison.meston@wan-ifra.org [9]
5. Tell us your plans and results! Join the campaign on Facebook! [10] Email alison.meston@wan-ifra.org [9]
6. Use the resources attached. The Declarations are ready for download in English, French and Arabic.
