Young volunteers and artists displayed a united front to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of expression as they highlighted the challenges of modern journalism to mark World Press Freedom Day.
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In a busy street by a canal in central Paris, where walls are usually covered in graffiti and bursts of spray-paint, something unique has taken shape.
An image not scrawled but carefully glued, piece by piece, onto a brick wall. A boy on a bicycle throws a newspaper with such force that it shatters a stone wall.
The project is the idea of multiple non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including Europeans Without Borders, Cartooning for Peace and Reporters Without Borders.
A dozen young volunteers, many from underprivileged backgrounds and neighbourhoods, united to raise awareness of freedom of the press around the world - through art.
“It’s important to celebrate this freedom,” said Naomi, a 20-year-old volunteer.
“In some countries, freedom of the press is censored. Some are not allowed to publish or put their ideologies in the press. This collage is there to show the world that the press isn't just about articles, it’s also about drawing and art. Through art, we can express a lot of ideas and subjects," she told Euronews.
Many tourists and locals took a brief moment to observe and take in the new art piece. “It’s great to see this,” said Sandra, an American tourist who stumbled upon the collage.
“It’s very in keeping with Paris and what Paris represents. And in America right now, we could use some freedom of the press," she added.
In its 23rd annual ranking, published on 2 May, Reporters Without Borders warned that increasing financial pressure on media outlets poses a real threat to the general public. The NGO stressed that financial burdens may limit access to reliable information.
“Although Europe remains at the top of the ranking by region, it is increasingly divided. We can see that the situation for media freedom is under major threat, particularly in Portugal, Croatia and Kosovo. Even France has dropped by four points compared to last year," said Léa Rocchiccioli, Campaign Director at Europeans Without Borders.
Among those observing the group was Wimar Verdecia, a Cuban cartoonist, who currently lives in exile in France.
“It gives me a bit of hope to see people are interested in press cartoons, even street art," he said.
For Rocchiccioli, the cartoon serves is a symbol that draws attention to the importance of accurate reporting.
“It’s a positive message,” she said. “You can see that it’s a newspaper breaking down that wall. We wanted to start a debate marked with hope in the public space.”
The original cartoonist, Guffo, based in Mexico, was contacted through a video call by the proud group of young adults.
"I am so honoured," he exclaimed, witnessing his art crossing borders and sparking meaningful dialogue.