Brankica Janković, the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality wished a happy World Press Freedom Day to all journalists in Serbia and stressed that free, responsible and professional reporting is one of the cornerstones of a democratic and tolerant society.

The Commissioner underlined the need to improve financial and social status of journalists, stressing however that their personal safety and professional integrity should always come first and that the competent government authorities have a lasting responsibility to protect them and make it possible for them to work.

The freedom of expression and information is a stepping stone towards progress for each society, while the media represent key channels for conveying messages and shaping the public opinion. Ergo, the media should continuously seek to improve their reporting standards and strive to promote human rights and tolerance, said Commissioner Janković in her concluding remarks.