Dhaka, May 1 -- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called on governments, the private sector and civil society to join them in reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding press freedom and the rights of journalists and media professionals around the world.

"A free press is not a choice, but a necessity. Our World Press Freedom Day is very important," he said in a message marking World Press Freedom Day that falls on May 3.

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Without facts, the UN chief said, they cannot fight mis- and disinformation.

"Without accountability, we will not have strong policies in place. Without press freedom, we won't have any freedom," he said.

The wor...