In a fitting tribute to Tunisia’s newfound freedoms, UNESCO is holding World Press Freedom Day in Tunis this year. Knight International Journalism Fellows from Africa, the Middle East and South America have been selected to participate as World Press Freedom Day Fellows.

They include Justin Arenstein and Joseph Warungu (Africa), Sandra Crucianelli (South America) and Ayman Salah (Middle East). All are veteran journalists who are helping to raise journalism standards, expand the use of digital tools and increase the public’s access to quality information.

“I think it’s especially significant at this time in Tunisia’s revolution for World Press Freedom Day to be taking place in Tunis this year,” said Arenstein. “It reminds Tunisians about the importance of broad opinions and dissenting news in a free society.”

The International Center for Journalists runs the Knight International Journalism Fellowships—and has targeted Tunisia as a place with tremendous opportunity for growth. Knight Fellow Amr El-Kahky has held investigative journalism workshops there and is set to launch an investigative unit at Le Maghreb, a daily newspaper that was banned by the previous regime. ICFJ trainers are coaching Le Maghreb and Agence Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP), the country’s leading news agency, in covering elections and journalism ethics.

ICFJ is also bringing nine Tunisian journalism students to the United States in September for in-depth training as well as internships at U.S. media organizations.

“The potential for making a difference in Tunisia is better than any time in recent memory,” said ICFJ President Joyce Barnathan. “We are delighted to be playing a role as Tunisia develops a vibrant news media.”

Celebrated on May 3, World Press Freedom Day puts the focus on the importance of independent media. It serves a reminder that there are severe restraints on press freedoms—and that far too many journalists are killed in the line of duty.