Dear journalists,
I congratulate you on Press Freedom Day.
Day by day, the participation of civil society in the decision-making process of public importance in our country becomes more and more valuable, in which the role of journalist is indispensable.
The work of journalist is not an end in itself.
It is the journalist who bears the important function through which the public gets ideas about the functioning of state officials, the ongoing processes in public life and formulates their own understanding of those fundamental questions. This is the power of the journalist’s work which enables citizens to oversee public life.
Unfortunately, inaccurate perceptions and stereotypes about the journalists’ role still remain, which complicates the full and effective work of journalists. Hence, it is extremely important to promote such public mind-set that the presumption should always be in favor of legitimate and honest work of journalist who holds a high vocation of acting in accordance with the law and conscientiously.
The solution of all these issues requires guaranteed professional work of journalists, ensured personal safety and fully protected data.
Everyone through their daily work shall contribute to the continuous increase of the journalist's role and guaranteeing their normal work.
The Human Rights Defender of Armenia
Arman Tatoyan