At a time when disinformation and mistrust of the news media is growing, a free press is Âessential for peace, justice, sustainable development and human rightsÂ, said the UN Secretary-General, in his message for World Press Freedom Day, marked on Friday.

No democracy is complete without access to transparent and reliable information, said António Guterres, describing unfettered journalism as Âthe cornerstone for building fair and impartial institutions, holding leaders accountable and speaking truth to power.Â

This years commemorations which began on Thursday across the world, are focussing on the powerful role that good reporting plays in championing democracy and free elections, when disinformation is becoming a larger problem in even the worldÂs oldest and most sophisticated democratic systems.   

ÂFacts, not falsehoods, should guide people as they choose their representativesÂ, said the UN chief, noting that Âwhile technology has transformed the ways in which we receive and share information, sometimes it is used to mislead public opinion or to fuel violence and hatred.Â

According to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), almost 100 journalists were killed going about their work in 2018, with hundreds imprisoned. A total of 1,307 journalists were killed between 1994, and last year.

Mr. Guterres said he was Âdeeply troubled by the growing number of attacks and the culture of impunityÂWhen media workers are targeted, societies as a whole pay a price.Â