On May 3, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent a congratulatory message on World Press Freedom Day, which reads: "This year's theme is freedom of information: the right to know. I welcome the global trend towards new laws which recognize the universal right to publicly held information. Unfortunately, these new laws do not always translate into action. We must work to change attitudes and to raise awareness. People have a right to information that affects their lives, and States have a duty to provide this information."

Besides, the statement reads that the United Nations stands with persecuted journalists and media professionals everywhere. "Today, as every day, I call on Governments, civil society and people around the world to recognize the important work of the media, and to stand up for freedom of information," the Secretary-General noted.