Mexico has become one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. As organized crime, drug-trafficking and corruption continue to rise, there has been a spike in murders of journalists who have sought to draw attention to these issues. Since 2000 more than 82 journalists have been killed, and a high number have been kidnapped or disappeared, as a result of their work. Vulnerable journalists, who are increasingly being targeted by drug cartels, have nowhere to turn for help, as government authorities are often incapable or unwilling to protect them, and are sometimes even complicit in the attacks. These factors have instilled a culture of fear among journalists that has resulted in mass self-censorship.
Freedom House se complace de la instalacion de la Junta de Gobierno del Mecanismo de Proteccion de Personas Defensoras de Derechos Humanos y Periodistas en México, que tuvo lugar el pasado 12 de Noviembre.
Freedom House welcomes the Government of Mexico’s latest step to protect journalists and human rights defenders. On November 12, the government appointed a board to oversee the Law for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists, which will help ensure adequate protection against attacks to freedom of expression nationwide.
Freedom House works to improve efforts by both local activists and the Mexican government to prevent and respond to attacks to the press, and enhance the availability of emergency assistance for at-risk journalists and activists.
