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3 May acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. Just as importantly, World Press Freedom Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom. It is also a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of a story.
World Press Freedom Day 2025 Signature Event: Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media
This year the World Press Freedom Day global commemoration will focus on the profound influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism and media under the theme: Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.
History of the International Day
Every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991. This in turn was a response to a call by African journalists who in 1991 produced the landmark Windhoek Declaration.
8th March is International Women's Day
International Women’s Day is a celebration of the achievements made by women throughout history and signifies a continued mission for gender equality.
First celebrated over a century ago, the day is now embraced globally to collectively champion the successes of the world’s great women, both past, present and future.
United Nations Association Medway marks the 80th anniversary of Holocaust Memorial Day on 27th January 2025
Image courtesy by Nicholas Chan
2025 marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War and the Holocaust.
Eighty years ago, in response to the atrocities of the war and the Holocaust, governments of the world established the United Nations, pledging to work together to build a just world where human rights were enshrined, and all could live with dignity, in peace.
Acknowledging the milestone year, the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme has chosen as its guiding theme for 2025, “Holocaust remembrance and education for dignity and human rights”.
The theme reflects the critical relevance of Holocaust remembrance for the present, where the dignity and human rights of our fellow global citizens are under daily attack.
The Holocaust shows what happens when hatred, dehumanization and apathy win.
Its remembrance is a bulwark against the denigration of humanity, and a clarion call for collective action to ensure respect for dignity and human rights, and the international law that protects both.
Holocaust remembrance safeguards the memories of survivors and their testament of life before the Holocaust – of vibrant communities, of traditions, of hopes and dreams, of loved ones who did not survive.
Safeguarding the history brings dignity to those the Nazis and their collaborators sought to destroy.
Remembrance of the Holocaust is a victory against the Nazis and their collaborators, and against all who would try to continue their legacy through spreading hatred, Holocaust distortion and denial into the 21st century.
For a Better Future is the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2025.
Monday 27th January 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. Every year on Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD), there is an opportunity for people across the country to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust, its impact on the Jewish people, on other minority groups and on subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur and elsewhere. The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 is ‘For a Better Future’.
Jessica Giles, Chair of Medway United Nations Association said ‘It’s vital that we never forget the horrifying cruelty and pain caused by the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. We mark Holocaust Memorial Day at a time when the human rights regimes put in place to prevent the undermining of human flourishing are challenged across the world. By remembering this, we are committed to keep on supporting the implementation of human rights mechanisms to challenge anti-semitism, genocide, prejudice and intolerance. We pledge not to take our own freedoms for granted, and to consider what we can do to protect and strengthen freedoms of others around the world.
We recognise the appalling rise in hate crimes in all their forms in recent months and will continue to fight against prejudice and discrimination, to ensure equality and protection for people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Monday 27th January will give people the chance to reflect, not only the past but the present also.
Eighty years ago, in response to the atrocities of the war and the Holocaust, governments of the world established the United Nations, pledging to work together to build a just world where human rights were enshrined, and all could live with dignity, in peace. Acknowledging this milestone year, we support the dignity and human rights of our fellow global citizens conscious that they are under daily attack We stand against hatred, dehumanisation and apathy, aware that human rights are a bulwark against the denigration of humanity. We call for collective action to ensure respect for dignity and human rights, and the international law that protects both.'
27 January 2025 - United Nations Holocaust Memorial Ceremony - link here: 2025 | United Nations
Theme: Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights
Monday, 27 January 2025
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST
Watch the ceremony live and on-demand on UN WebTV, YouTube and X
The Holocaust Memorial Ceremony takes place on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz on 27 January 1945. The observance will be hosted by Ms. Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications. Survivors of the Holocaust will share their testimonies along with invited speakers who include the United Nations Secretary-General; the President of the 79th session of the General Assembly and representatives of Member States.
Human Rights Day 2024
UNA Medway Statement
Human Rights Day: 10 December 2024
Statement by Medway UNA.
On Human Rights Day, Medway UNA affirms its unwavering commitment to the universal respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights for everyone, everywhere. This year's theme, Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now, underscores the necessity of safeguarding rights and freedoms for a just, resilient, and sustainable future - leaving no one behind.
Human rights are legal, moral and actionable guarantees universal to humankind. They are essential for human dignity, equality, democracy, peace and sustainable development. Peace and prosperity as well as the achievement of the SDGs goes hand in hand with the respect for the rule of law and all human rights.
Now, more than ever, we are confronted with armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate disasters, impunity, growing inequalities, and, in all too many places, persistent gender inequality. The international rules-based order, with human rights at its core, remains irreplaceable.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and conflicts in the Middle East, Sudan and elsewhere, have appalling consequences for the enjoyment of human rights of civilian populations, affecting especially women and children.
Peace is not merely the absence of war; it requires daily work, continuous commitment, and advocating for human rights, equality, non-discrimination, justice and democracy.
Human rights are applicable everywhere and at all times, including during conflict or crisis. Meaningful and lasting change can only be achieved through tireless commitment to human rights, collaboration among global actors, empowerment of young persons as agents of change, and practical support to enable each individual to realise their rights. We steadfastly support human rights defenders, civil society, journalists, and media workers as well as all those calling for peace, truth, justice and accountability.
Medway UNA will promote and adhere to Article 29 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in which everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
We are mindful that humankind’s free and full development is located in welcoming caring and supportive communities, we will continue to work to engender human flourishing within Medway by collaborating with others to protect human rights at home and abroad.
We are firmly committed to the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and as a UNA stand together with the United Nations, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and our partners across the globe in urging all states to uphold and fulfil their human rights obligations.
We will continue to promote and protect human rights for everyone, everywhere — Your Rights, Your Future, Right Now and Always.