The International Press Institute (IPI) today joined free expression and press freedom watchdogs across the globe in commemorating World Press Freedom Day.

In a video interview from IPI’s Vienna headquarters, IPI Director of Advocacy and Communications Steven M. Ellis noted that press freedom is necessary to creating just and fair societies, and he saluted the bravery of journalists who put themselves in harm’s way to tell important stories.

He also noted that the primary challenge that journalists face is protecting their safety, and he called for steps to ensure that crimes against them do not enjoy impunity.

The U.N. General Assembly proclaimed May 3 as World Press Freedom Day in 1993. The day is celebrated annually to evaluate press freedom worldwide, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who lost their lives due to their profession.

IPI representatives are also in Helsinki this week as part of the main celebration organised by the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and will present a panel discussion tomorrow focused on strengthening momentum created by the U.N. Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

The panel, presented with the support of the Helsingin Sanomat Foundation, was co-organised by IPI and seven other leading international press freedom defenders and professional and public service media groups.