A joint statement issued by members of the International Press Institute (IPI) Executive Board on Thursday reaffirmed their support for journalists across the world who face oppression, intimidation, and efforts to silence their work.
Signed by leading journalists, editors, and publishers from 21 countries, the statement emphasized a shared, unwavering commitment to press freedom and the vital role a free media plays in upholding democratic values and protecting human rights.
“The media serves as a crucial watchdog, holding power to account, exposing abuses, and defending fundamental freedoms,” the statement declared. It warned of a dangerous global climate marked by increasing authoritarianism, where democratic institutions and the rule of law are under mounting pressure.
“In this time of extraordinary geopolitical uncertainty, the work of journalists is more vital than ever,” the statement said, calling attention to escalating threats faced by reporters and media workers around the world.
Founded 75 years ago in the aftermath of World War II and on the eve of the Cold War, the IPI was established on the belief that press freedom and high-quality, fact-based journalism are essential to fostering a more just and peaceful world.
For over seven decades, the IPI has been a vocal advocate for journalists’ rights amid political censorship, violence, and repression. The organization has supported reporters working under oppressive regimes, those battling censorship in apartheid-era South Africa, and journalists documenting conflicts both past and present.
The statement stressed the need for unity, expressing solidarity with media workers who continue to report despite smear campaigns, threats, or attempts to undermine their credibility.
“Now is the time to come together to defend and empower the vital work of journalists. A free media is the cornerstone of a free world,” the board concluded.
