The world celebrates World Press Freedom Day on May 3, a day proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, based on a recommendation from the UNESCO General Conference.
In this context, the Centre affirms the vital role played by the press in strengthening accountability and oversight mechanisms, as well as in promoting and protecting human rights. A free and responsible press is also a fundamental component of a democratic society, contributing to the advancement of constructive public dialogue.
Given the importance of a free press in building societies, this freedom is constitutionally protected under Article (15) of the Jordanian Constitution, which stipulates that the State shall guarantee freedom of the press, printing, publication, and media within the limits of the law, and that newspapers and media outlets may not be suspended or have their licenses revoked except by judicial order in accordance with the law. At the international level, this freedom is safeguarded by international human rights instruments, foremost among them the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Jordan has ratified.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day is marked under the theme “Shaping a Future of Peace,” underscoring the role of journalism in the context of peace, technology, and human rights, as well as its role in combating hate speech and promoting public awareness of peaceful means of expression.
In this regard, while the Centre acknowledges the positive steps taken by Jordan in advancing press and media freedom, it also reiterates, with the aim of further strengthening press freedom in practice, the recommendations outlined in its annual reports. These include the need to develop a dedicated media strategy, to examine the impact of artificial intelligence on press freedom, and to continue expanding the implementation of the Access to Information Law, which constitutes a key legislative pillar in promoting freedom of expression in general and press and media freedom in particular. The Centre also emphasizes the importance of enhancing the role of media and journalism in raising public awareness to combat hate speech and contribute to the promotion of peace.
