In an event held as part of the first ever US-organised Press Freedom Day (PFD) conference, UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova said press freedom is vital for human development and security across the globe, adding that violations to fundamental human rights cannot go unanswered.

"21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers" is this year's theme of the World Press Freedom Day. It also marks the 20th anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration for the promotion of free and pluralistic media.