As Rwandan media practitioners mark the World Press Freedom Day today, European Union ambassadors and high commissioners accredited to Rwanda hailed reforms that the local media has undergone in the last two years.

The reforms include establishment of the Rwanda Media Commission, enactment of access to information laws, and amendment of the media law.

A joint statement issued by seven EU ambassadors and high commissioners, the states that, "The EU Heads of Mission encourage Rwanda to continue its ongoing media reforms. The new media laws introduced in 2013 showed the importance that Rwanda places in an open and vibrant media, including underlining the journalistic right of opinion and expression, self-regulation, and prohibition of censorship.”

Globally the 2015 World Press Freedom day is marked under the theme: ‘Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality and Media Safety in the Digital Age.’

On this day, according to the EU statement, we are reminded of the importance of freedom of expression as part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"The Rwanda Media Commission plays a central role through its self-regulatory mechanism in the application of these reforms. Several EU member states have helped to support these advances with funding and technical know-how,” reads the statement.

It adds that, "The EU is committed to advancing freedom of expression globally, and we look forward to continue working with the Government and people of Rwanda to realize this commitment.”

In Rwanda, the media will mark the day by recognizing outstanding performers during the 3rd Edition of the Rwanda Development Journalism Awards (DJA) at a gala scheduled later today.

The awards aimed at promoting excellent journalism and development oriented media are being expanded this year and will include the role of private sector partners and a public vote for one of the categories.

Journalists are competing for awards in news reporting, investigative journalism, talk-show of the year, video-photo journalism, features writing, documentary/magazine life time achievement and Journalist of the Year award.

The awards are organised by the Rwanda Governance Board and the Rwanda Journalists Association with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).