Freedom of Expression

Press Release 65/02

SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION  TO VISIT CHILE 

The Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) of the Organization of American States (OAS), Eduardo A. Bertoni, is to visit Chile on December 16 to 17, 2002 at the invitation of the Chilean government.  

During his visit, the Special Rapporteur will meet with Chilean government officials, media figures, independent journalists, and civil society organizations, in order to gather information on the state of freedom of expression in that country.  

The Office of the Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression is a permanent office with operational independence and its own budget.  It was created by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights within the scope of the Commission’s authority and powers and it operates in accordance with that legal framework.  The Office of the Rapporteur arose from the Second Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Americas, which was held in Santiago, Chile, in April 1998.  

Eduardo A. Bertoni
Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression
Washington, D.C.
December 13, 2002