The Declaration of Windhoek

World Press Freedom Day is observed on 3 May. This day was the culmination of a UNESCO seminar held in Windhoek, Namibia from 29 April 1991 to the 3 May 1991. This declaration is a statement of press freedom principles put together by African newspaper journalists. The context for this declaration was the many dangers and pressures faced by journalists working in Africa and other conflict regions. In addition, it was an acknowledgement of the changing political landscape with the end of the Cold War. Thus it was an attempt by journalists to enshrine and honour the role of media in society. This in the face of intimidation, assassination and censorship that even now, gnaws at the roots of society and seeks to dominate and control information. Despite this declaration being adopted by the United Nations, the position of the media in many countries is still quite perilous.