U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler. (Photo: Courtesy).

The United States government Ambassador in Juba has called on the unity government to ensure unhindered access to information as the country commemorates World Radio Day.

The country commemorates the radio day on Monday, February 13th.

The day was proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day.

In a statement extended to Eye Radio, Ambassador Michael J. Adler reiterated calls on the government to allow journalists to work without fear of harassment, detention, or violence.

“Access to information and freedom of expression have been key demands of the people of South Sudan since before the country’s independence.  These demands remain as strong as ever today,” said the diplomat.

Ambassador says all journalists must be free and empowered to fulfill this essential function for South Sudan to become a strong and stable democracy

The US embassy says it has supported independent media, especially radio in the country.

Last week, USAID launched the Sustainable Independent Media Activity, which is a three-year, 12 million US dollars activity focused on improving access to reliable information by promoting the sustainability of high quality, and independent radio.

This initiative will provide more than $3 million in grants to local media organizations and support efforts that combat hate speech, rumors, misinformation, and disinformation, which threaten peace and stability in South Sudan.