The Society of Editors is today joining the United Nations, media organisations and worldwide press freedom organisations in celebrating the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day.

Today marks 30 years since the UN General Assembly proclaimed an international day for press freedom. Held on 3 May each year, World Press Freedom Day celebrates the importance of press freedom and freedom of expression and acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to a free press. This year’s theme is ‘Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights’. 

Marking today’s event, Dawn Alford, Executive Director of the Society of Editors said: “World Press Freedom Day exists as a reminder of the necessity of a free press in all healthy democracies. 30 years since the declaration of an international day for press freedom, journalists worldwide continue to face threats, harassment and abuse for simply carrying out their roles. Now, more than ever, governments worldwide must look to uphold and strengthen their commitment to this vital human right.” 

To mark #WorldPressFreedomDay, the Society has compiled some of the most memorable front pages  from the past 18 months as a reminder of the power of a free press to hold power to account on behalf of the public. The pages appear below and you can click on the images to view them in full. To find out more about #WorldPressFreedomDay and the important work being undertaken to ensure freedom of expression for all, visit the UNESCO World Press Freedom website here and follow the hashtag on Twitter.