On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) called on the government to "wake up from its slumber and stop procrastinating on the effective implementation of laws to protect journalists which it has sat on for almost a year."

"It has been so long that the promised white paper has almost turned yellow," IGM said.

The updated laws must be one step towards tangibly creating an environment where journalists and media actors can continue carrying out their duty to serve democracy - "something the country desperately needs," the IGM said.

The IGM finds it baffling how the government "continued to delay issuing the White Paper following the recommendations made by its own committee of experts which aim to create stronger laws protecting journalists, especially from abusive legal action, also known as SLAPPS."

"Recognising the media as the fourth pillar of democracy also seems to be something that will remain a dream, despite being one of the pledges included in the Labour Party's electoral manifesto. It was also mentioned in the first speech of President Myriam Spiteri Debono. On this too, the IGM expects the government to stop procrastinating and recognise the media's function as vital for a healthy democracy and entrench it in the enforceable parts of the country's constitution."

The IGM also notes that all the other recommendations included in the inquiry on the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia still need to be addressed and eventually implemented.

The IGM also calls on the government to address other issues that are seriously undermining the media in Malta. "Primary among them is an inept Freedom of Information Act which is weak, severely abused by the public authorities and in dire need of a total overhaul."

"Other issues include the considerable financial difficulties being faced by media outlets.

On its part, the IGM is working towards the establishment of a media council that would strengthen the current self-regulatory structure. It is also in its very final stages to be officially enrolled as the first-ever journalists' trade union in Malta, giving it and its members a stronger legal standing. An AGM at the end of this month will conclude this process."

"On days like today, where the important role journalists play in healthy democracies is recognised, journalists must stand united in the face of adversity. In collaboration with civil society and democracy campaigners, the IGM will continue fighting for a stronger media landscape which will in turn lead to stronger journalism and a stronger democracy."