Americas: States must take urgent action to defend under-fire journalists
| Publisher | Amnesty International |
| Publication Date | 3 May 2018 |
| Cite as | Amnesty International, Americas: States must take urgent action to defend under-fire journalists, 3 May 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b3232b53.html [accessed 25 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
3 May 2018, 00:01 UTC
To mark World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2018, Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International, said:
"From decades-old state censorship in Cuba to the White House-led demonization of the US press and the relentless wave of lethal attacks against Mexican reporters, the Americas remains an extremely difficult and dangerous region for journalists.
"Mexico experienced alarming levels of violence against the press last year as 12 reporters were killed, making it the world's deadliest country for journalists alongside Syria. Not only do Mexico's brave journalists face threats and attacks from organized crime, but also in many cases from public officials.
"Meanwhile, media workers in countries such as Colombia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay and Venezuela continue to face an array of serious obstacles, including threats, harassment, intimidation and attacks. These sinister efforts to silence the press and curtail freedom of expression cannot be allowed to continue.
"A free press is fundamental for preventing human rights abuses and combatting impunity. All states across the Americas must immediately recognize the important work of journalists and other media workers by implementing effective mechanisms to protect them and by conducting thorough, independent and impartial investigations into all threats and attacks against them."
