Noting 'disturbing trend' in Mexico, UN rights office condemns murder of journalist
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 1 May 2012 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Noting 'disturbing trend' in Mexico, UN rights office condemns murder of journalist, 1 May 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4fa38dd72.html [accessed 3 June 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. |
"We strongly condemn the murder of Regina Martinez, and are concerned that this disturbing trend of murdering media workers undermines the exercise of freedom of expression in the country," said a spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Rupert Colville, at a press conference in Geneva.
"We call for a thorough independent investigation into this and other similar cases, and urge the Government to immediately implement protection measures for journalists," he said.
Mr. Colville also welcomed yesterday's passing, by the Mexican Congress, of two new laws designed to protect journalists and human rights defenders. The new laws are known as the General Victims Act and the Law for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists.
During a visit to Mexico last year, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, emphasized the importance of passing that legislation after meeting with victims and relatives of murdered human rights activists and journalists.
