JUBA — The South Sudan Center for Peace and Advocacy, a civil society organization based in Juba, on Thursday urged the government to provide journalists with unrestricted access to public information to ensure accurate and credible news reporting, July 4.

Ter Manyang Gatwech, executive director of the center, said restricted access to public records is severely limiting journalists’ ability to cover critical national issues accurately and thoroughly.

“Journalists are the eyes and ears of the public. Without access to accurate and timely information, their ability to inform citizens, expose wrongdoing, and promote informed dialogue is severely constrained,” Manyang said in a statement shared with Sudans Post.

He added that a lack of transparency and limited information flow not only threatens press freedom but also undermines democratic governance and accountability.

“We are calling on government institutions to uphold the right to access information as guaranteed in South Sudan’s constitution and international human rights commitments,” Manyang said.

The organization also called for the implementation of policies that encourage open communication and allow the media to operate independently and fairly.

The center reaffirmed its commitment to supporting press freedom and promoting democratic values nationwide.

Under South Sudan’s 2012 access to information bill, citizens have the right to obtain information and records held by public or private entities, including electronic records maintained by government agencies at all levels. The country’s constitution further guarantees freedom of expression, the right to disseminate information, and access to the press without restriction.