Journalists in South Sudan have today joined the rest of the world in celebrating the International Day to end Impunity for crimes against journalists.

Last year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming the 2nd of November as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

During the ceremony in Juba today, the Country Director of the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Salah Khalid, said protection of journalists is a primary responsibility of the government.

“Before fighting impunity, the government should ensure that there is no violence in the first place,” Mr Khalid said.

The Director of Information in the National Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Paul Jacob, who represented the Minister, said the government recognizes journalists as partners.

“As a Government, we are working to create a favorable environment to enable journalists to do their work freely,” said Mr Jacob.

“But journalists and the media workers should be aware of the guidelines that govern their operations especially now that media bills have been signed into laws.”

The representative of the Committee of Information in the National Legislative Assembly, Paul Yoane Bonju, said the committee will work to ensure that journalists are protected.