United Nations, May 3 (RHC)-- The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has called on governments to strengthen press freedom and to protect journalists in a message on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, held every May 3.

“Journalists and media workers shine a light on local and global challenges and tell the stories that need to be told. Their service to the public is invaluable,” Guterres added.

The Secretary General stressed that a free press is essential for peace, justice and human rights for all and urged for the adoption, implementation and enforcement of laws that protect journalism, freedom of expression and the right to information.

He also said that crimes against journalists must be prosecuted.

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference