UNESCO is the lead UN Agency for promoting freedom of expression and safety of journalists as part of its mandate to “promote the free flow of ideas by word and image”.
International Press Institute
The International Press Institute (IPI) is a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists who share a common dedication to quality, independent journalism. Together, we promote the conditions that allow journalism to fulfil its public function, the most important of which is the media’s ability to operate free from interference and without fear of retaliation. Our mission is to defend media freedom and the free flow of news wherever they are threatened.
- Journalists' safety focus:
- Administrative threats and risks, Digital, Holistic, Impunity, Institutional protection, Legal Assistance, Media freedom, Physical, Verbal
History
IPI is one of the oldest global media freedom organisations, having been formed in 1950.In October 1950, in the aftermath of the Second World War, 34 leading editors from 16 countries gathered at Columbia University in New York City. United in the conviction that a free media would contribute to a better and more peaceful world, they agreed to form a global organisation dedicated to promoting and protecting press freedom and improving the practices of journalism. The International Press Institute was born.For over seven decades, IPI has been at the forefront of the battle for media freedom and independence, providing the organisation with unmatched experience to continue its mission today.From fighting censorship in apartheid-era South Africa, to helping free journalists imprisoned under the Greek military junta to strengthening Myanmar’s media after years of authoritarianism, IPI’s pioneering history spans continents, generations and countless innovations in news production.During this time, IPI’s commitment to dialogue has also produced historic gatherings of journalistic communities, such as the first post-war bilateral exchange between French and German journalists in 1950s; the first post-independence meeting of Anglophone and Francophone African journalists in the 1970s; and our Israeli-Palestinian dialogue forum in the 2000s.IPI continues its work on a global scale and is growing its network further. In 2025, we celebrate our 75th anniversary with a major Congress in Vienna.
Geographic scope / network
IPI is an association of media professionals representing leading digital, print and broadcast news outlets in nearly 100 countries. Our membership provides the clearest evidence possible of the universality of media freedom and the basic values of journalism.Thanks to its members, IPI speaks with a unique and powerful voice on behalf of media freedom.IPI members work cooperatively to shape debate on policies affecting the media and to push back against those seeking to restrict the free flow of news and information in order to protect political, economic or other interests. Equally important, IPI membership offers solidarity in the face of oppression. Throughout its decades-long history, the strength of IPI’s network has shielded journalists from attack or forced violators of media freedom to backtrack amid global exposure of their actions.
Key actions and/or campaigns
Supported by a professional secretariat in Vienna, IPI works by:-conducting direct advocacy with governments -raising awareness on violations of media freedom through news coverage, research and analysis leading programmes and campaigns to further change -offering platforms for cooperation, networking and skills exchange among our members -promoting high-quality, independent journalism through the development of best practices at the global level -providing opportunities for dialogue among diverse journalistic communities, in line with IPI’s founding principlesWe have the safety of journalists as a key theme of our work globally.
Key outputs
Supported by a professional secretariat in Vienna, IPI works by:-conducting direct advocacy with governments -raising awareness on violations of media freedom through news coverage, research and analysis leading programmes and campaigns to further change -offering platforms for cooperation, networking and skills exchange among our members -promoting high-quality, independent journalism through the development of best practices at the global level -providing opportunities for dialogue among diverse journalistic communities, in line with IPI’s founding principles
Key Priorities for next 2 years
Protecting fundamental press freedoms and the safety and security of journalists worldwide, while also contributing to the debate around the global systems for funding independent journalism and adapting to the integration of Artificial Intelligence in journalism and media globally.
Monitoring of threats to journalism safety
IPI's monitoring of threats to journalists' safety is conducted through our network of members and contacts in countries around the world, who provide information to the different IPI teams on evolving threats against press freedom and journalist safety, along with fact finding missions and day-to-day monitoring from news sources and social media platforms. The Europe team documents all cases involving threats to the safety of journalists on the Mapping Media Freedom platform, the largest of its kind of in Europe. This monitoring is the foundation for IPI's advocacy work.
Types of threats monitored
IPI monitors all types of threats. Physical safety. Verbal threats and smears. Arrests and detentions. Legal threats and SLAPPs. Newsroom raids and closures. Digital threats such as spyware. DDoS and other cyber attacks. Threats of content removal from tech companies.
Methodology of monitoring
A network of members and contacts in countries around the world, who provide information to the different IPI teams on evolving threats against press freedom and journalist safety, along with fact finding missions and day-to-day monitoring from news sources and social media platforms. The Europe team documents all cases involving threats to the safety of journalists on the Mapping Media Freedom platform, the largest of its kind of in Europe. This MMF platform has a clear methodology for documenting and assessing cases.
Interested in collaborating
Sharing resources for your website, such as reports. Potentially collaborating in events worldwide.
