The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a message on World Press Freedom Day.

''When governments repress their people and shield themselves from scrutiny, press freedom is among the most powerful vehicles for exposing misdeeds and upholding public trust. When people face discrimination and marginalization, access to media can give them voice and create a shared awareness of their plight,'' UN Secretary-General stated in his message.

''In an era of pressing global challenges, the free exchange of information and ideas through the media can connect people and countries in networks of common cause,'' Mr. Ban Ki-moon stressed urging to reaffirm commitment to bedrock principle of democracy, development and peace.