Today we celebrate the contributions that journalists make to the struggle for human dignity, liberty and prosperity, and the enduring principle first enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – that all people have the right to freely express their views.

Over the past year, these principles have come to the forefront as places throughout the Middle East and North Africa embrace change. Voice by voice, text by text, Tunisians, Egyptians, Libyans and many others have dared to say what they believe and stand up for their rights. And many others have dared to report on the truth, even when their lives were at risk.

But these challenges are not limited to just one region. Every year, dozens of journalists are killed, beaten, and threatened, while hundreds of others languish in prisons for exercising their right to free expression. Their imprisonment and intimidation is an injustice. When a free media is under attack, all human rights are under attack.

That is why the United States joins its global partners in calling for the release of all imprisoned journalists in every country across the globe and the end to their intimidation.

Let us honor the many brave men and women who risk their lives every day to keep the rest of us informed, governments accountable and societies more democratic, prosperous and successful. And let us continue to champion those who stand for media freedom as a powerful force for progress. Thank you.