IREX Observes World Press Freedom Day

On World Press Freedom Day, May 3, IREX would like to recognize the thousands of journalists, media workers, and media outlets with whom we have the honor to work as friends and colleagues. Without their hard work, without the risks they take every day, and without their dedication and sacrifice, more citizens throughout the world would be deprived of the vital news and information they need to actively participate in the development of their neighborhoods, towns, countries, and regions.

Yet, media and journalists throughout the world continue to face serious challenges. First and foremost is the threat to journalists and media workers. In 2008, the Committee to Protect Journalists found that 41 journalists were killed in direct connection to their work. An additional 22 deaths of journalists in 2008 are under investigation by CPJ to determine the motives. Additionally, CPJ found 125 journalists imprisoned for the work in 2008, with on-line journalists comprising the highest percentage of those jailed for the first time.

IREX presents a brief video about Iraq's Independent Higher Electoral Commission (IHEC) Press Center, supported by IREX, IFES, and UNAMI with the cooperation of IHEC and the media community in Iraq.

World Press Freedom Day 2009 focuses on the potential of media in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation. Whether in conflict or post-conflict zones, transitioning states, democracies, or autocratic states, journalists and media outlets who report truthfully, comprehensively, and professionally on issues facing society should be appreciated, supported, and protected by their audience and communities. They play a vital role in dialogue, reconciliation, societal development, and the practice of good governance.

2nd video: IREX alumnus and executive editor of Le Jeune Independent newspaper in Algeria Kamel Mansari speaks to IREX staff about managing a newspaper in his country.