'Observed to create awareness for freedom of expression and
independence of media'.

The 2002 World Press Freedom Day in Lesotho will be observed on Friday, May 03 at the United Nations House in Maseru.  

The Ministry of Communications is preparing a speech in observance of this day.  Further, the United Nations Development Programme in Lesotho will read the message of the day from the United Nations Secretary General and the Women and Law (Association) in Southern Africa (WLSA) will talk about the impact of media in gender issues.  The Independent Electoral Commission of Lesotho has been invited to talk about the role of the media before, during and after general elections; also about freedom of expression as well as the right to information.

It is planned that the celebration culminate with the launch of the African Charter in Broadcasting, which is intended to promote the importance of broadcasting there. 

April 30, 2002