The Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines an individual's right to freedom of expression. In many places around the world this fundamental human right is gagged through questionable legislation, censorship, harassment, threats and even murder. The Committee to Protect Journalists estimates that from 734 journalists killed in direct reprisal for their work since 1992; 20.3 per cent were reporting on corruption.

Moreover, incidents of physical violence against journalists, even murder, are in some countries rarely investigated or prosecuted. Journalists who seek to expose economic and political corruption do so at great personal risk. High stake political and business interests combined with corrupt judges and police, mean that violence against journalists is often carried out with impunity.

A free press speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves. Journalists become the eyes, ears and voice of victims of corruption. We rely on them to seek accountability, stop perpetrators from acting with impunity and to promote the transparency that empowers citizens to make informed decisions.