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Dear Colleague,

In every continent, journalists, editors and publishers are murdered, assaulted, detained or harassed. Their publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down.

World Press Freedom Day, on 3 May, exists to recognise the sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom of the press and to put pressure on the numerous countries that continue to deny their citizens this basic human right.

The figures are eloquent: 46 journalists were murdered in 20 countries last year; and at least 136 journalists are currently imprisoned in 27 countries.

WAN has prepared this package, which will include essays by prominent journalists and editors, case studies on killed and jailed journalists, statistics about murders and other press freedom attacks and camera-ready advertisements.

Due to the recent outbreak of war in Iraq, we will be adding to this package throughout the month to provide ongoing commentary on the impact of war on press freedom. Please continue to check this web site for new material. You may also choose to have the material sent to you via email.

We encourage you to participate in the campaign by using some or all of these materials in your publication on 3 May or the nearest day on which you publish. All the enclosed texts, infographics, illustrations and ads are available electronically.

With thanks in advance,

WAN Team