Editorial: We celebrate World Media Freedom Day

World Media Freedom Day was set up by the UN General Assembly following a media seminar in Africa in 1993. This day is marked on May 3 every year. The people refer to media such as TV, radio and newspapers to find facts. Supporting freedom of speech worldwide is the obligation of the United Nations. Therefore UNESCO is taking positive steps to support media freedom. World Media Freedom Day is celebrated annually in every country. During the past two decades of war in Afghan society, freedom of speech was violated. Fortunately, our people mark this day joyfully today. Without freedom, life is meaningless. In the past 23 years of conflicts, we have been witnesses to the violation of freedom of speech in Afghanistan. After the establishment of the interim and transitional administrations, our people enjoyed more freedom than they could have imagined. Creation of dozens of newspapers, magazines, radio and TV stations clarifies the truth in the country. We applaud the efforts made by local and foreign journalists and those who put their lives at risk to get the facts in Afghanistan. On the occasion of World Media Freedom Day, UNESCO honours those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth. It also emphasises that infringement of the rights of media by censorship or threatening journalists will destabilise the country.