The International Declaration aims to reinforce existing international obligations and mechanisms related to journalists’ safety and contribute to the protection of journalists’ rights. The document is the outcome of an initiative of AJMN, IPI, the International News Safety Institute (INSI) and the Africa Media Initiative (AMI), which saw the participation of over 70 representatives of media organisations, press freedom and journalists’ groups, international organisations and independent experts. "Journalists today face increasing danger, as in many parts of the world killing a journalist has become the easiest way to silence the entire media community by generating fear," IPI Executive Director Barbara Trionfi said. "We trust that this Declaration, which has seen the active contribution of some of the world's greatest experts in this area, will contribute to ongoing efforts to ensure implementation of international mechanisms related to journalists' safety and reduce the risks journalists face in covering the news." The International Declaration highlights the existence of numerous international mechanisms aimed at ensuring journalists can practice their profession freely and without fear of retaliation. However, states’ failure to implement those mechanisms and fulfil their international obligations has turned journalism into an increasingly dangerous profession. In addition to reminding states of their responsibilities, the International Declaration also presents a set of best practices that media organisations should consider in an attempt to limit the dangers of the profession. There is widespread agreement that states hold sole responsibility for preventing attacks against journalists – attacks that are often a direct consequence of widespread impunity. However, the experts who contributed to drafting the Declaration noted the importance of raising awareness about best practices related to in-house policies and mechanisms aimed at assessing and controlling the risks that journalists face. At least 103 media workers have been killed in 2015, according to INSI’s journalist casualty figures. That tally includes media staff who were deliberately targeted because of their profession or who lost their lives while on assignment.