Freedom of Expression
Press Release R86/17
Resolution of the OAS General Assembly is a step forward for
Freedom of expression and safety of journalists
June 27, 2017
Washington, D.C. – The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) welcomes the resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) on the right to freedom of thought and expression and safety of journalists and media workers in the hemisphere.
The resolution, adopted by the General Assembly at its forty-seventh regular period of session, condemns murders, assaults and other acts of violence against journalists and media workers still ongoing in the region, and urges States to implement comprehensive measures on prevention, protection, investigation and punishment of those responsible.
The proposal was presented by the delegation of Uruguay and co-sponsored by the delegations of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. With its approval, the General Assembly also reaffirms that journalistic activity must be free from threats, physical or psychological aggression, or other acts of harassment, and expresses special concern about the particular risks faced by women journalists.
The Office of the Special Rapporteur joins the commitment that States made in this resolution to implement strategies and resources that will end with the prevailing impunity in crimes against journalists. To this end, the General Assembly recommends in its resolution the creation of independent specialized prosecutors' offices, the adoption of specific investigative and prosecutorial protocols and methods, and the continuous training of judicial operators on freedom of expression and journalists' safety.
The Office of the Special Rapporteur thanks the General Assembly for the recognition of "the importance of the work carried out in the area of journalist safety and the fight against impunity by the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the IACHR during its 20 years of existence" and takes note of its call to this Office of the Special Rapporteur to continue paying particular attention to activities relating to the safety and the fight against impunity for crimes against journalists.
The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression is an office created by the IACHR to stimulate hemispheric defense of the right to freedom of thought and expression, considering its fundamental role in the consolidation and development of the democratic system.
The link to the Draft Resolution on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (considered by the Permanent Council at the Session held on June 14, 2017 and transmitted to the General Committee of the General Assembly) is available here.
R86/17