Over fifty journalists across the world have laid down their lives in the last one year while protecting the freedom of information . This was revealed in the Press Freedom Report for South Asia prepared by the United Nations, at a function in New Delhi today. Launching the report, the chairman of South Asian Press Council Srikumar Murlidharan hailed that India provides the best atmosphere for press freedom in South Asia. The function was organized to mark World Press Freedom Day today .

Meanwhile, the United Nations also pledged its support for safeguarding the rights of press across the globe. In an official statement released, UN secretary General Ban Ki Moon said that media plays a significant role in bringing marginalized sections into the mainstream. He added that UN is keeping a tab on violation of press rights in the world and will take effective measures to reinstate them.