The minister of Information, Michael Makuei speaking to journalists in Juba. Wednesday - Nov. 2, 2022 | File photo/Jikany Jundit/Eye Radio

The government has said the protection of journalists has improved in the recent past in the country.

The minister of Information, Michael Makuei describes South Sudan as one of the best countries where journalists have been doing their work freely.

Makuei made the remarks during the commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists in Juba on Wednesday.

He says South Sudan is the only country in the world where no journalists have been taken to court lately.

“Let me assure you that South Sudan is one of the best countries in which the laws of journalism and media laws are so free to extend the journalists as you might have heard some time ago, that we have no journalist that has ever been taken to court,” said Makuei.

“We have no journalist who is now in custody, this is simply because we have sat-up a media authority that can address all the concerns.”

For his part, the Managing Director of Media Authority, says media violations and complaints against journalists have significantly reduced in 2022 compared to the previous 5 years.

Elijah Alier Kuai, says there are no journalists in prisons in South Sudan as of today [Wednesday].

“This day is an opportunity for us to reflect on our different roles to prevent violence and interference against the work of journalists and ensure the effective protection of journalists,” Alier said.

“I am happy to inform this occasion today, there are no journalists in prisons in South Sudan as of today 2nd November 2022, as we commemorate this year’s International Day to End Impunity Against Journalists,

“Media violations and complaints against journalists have significantly reduced in 2022 compared to the previous 5 years as we promote responsible professional media in the public interest,

“This is due to the great awareness of media regulations coupled with the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.”

The international day to end impunity for crimes against journalists was today marked under the theme: “Internet Transparency and Safety of Women Journalists”.

The day reflects the different roles stake holders play to prevent violence and interference against the work of journalists and ensure the effective protection of journalists.