The UN has called upon the transitional government to improve media freedom as a priority.

South Sudan dropped by 15 positions in the World Press Freedom Index this year compared to last year.

Seven journalists were killed in 2015 which greatly contributed to the country’s rating in press freedom and impunity index rating.

The UN Educational and Cultural Organization says the TGoNU comes with a promise for a better future.

“The media should be taken as your key partner in stabilizing the country on all fronts,” said Salah Khalid UNESCO representative.

Mr Khalid spoke at an event to mark the World Press Freedom Day in Juba on Tuesday.

The celebration was under the theme: “Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms”.

“This day set as a reminder to the government of their constitutional obligation to respect their commitment to press freedom, and join efforts with all the media stakeholders to show our support for the important role that the media plays in our everyday lives,” Eugene Owusu, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who was the guest of honor.

At the occasion, the Association for Media Development in South Sudan called for better protection of journalists.

This year, two journalists were abducted in Juba by unidentified individuals, beaten and dumped at graveyards.

Another journalist who was working for the UN radio, George Olivia, has been under detention for months now without trial in court.