The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists was observed on Thuresday (Nov. 2).
The day is designed to put pressure on governments to arrest and prosecute the killers of journalists and war reports.
The Society of Professional Journalists National President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins said: "In line with the United Nations declaration for this day, we hope the observance of this day draws attention to the threats faced by journalists and communicators in the exercise of our profession."
According to the UN, more than 700 journalists were killed between 2004 and 2014. Many of these deaths are either unsolved murders or killings in crossfire and combat. It noted that only a small number of these has led to a conviction.
In his message on this occasion, Secretary-General António Guterres said: " journalists and the media fulfill a vital role in society, upholding and enabling democracy and holding power to account. They are essential to strong and accountable institutions and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals."
He continued: "But this important position puts journalists at risk. Their commitment to investigating and revealing the truth means they are often targeted for attack, illegal detention, and even death."
In the same connection, Guterres noted that the ongoing conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory is taking a horrific toll on journalists.
He expressed his deep alarm by these figures, and by the rise in threats of all kinds against journalists.
The UN Chief called on all States to prevent violence against journalists, to provide a safe environment for them to go about their jobs, to bring to justice those who commit crimes against journalists and media workers, and to ensure support for victims and survivors.
"Today and every day, we are grateful to the journalists and all media professionals who risk their health and lives to keep us informed, and to keep the truth alive," he concluded.
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