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OAS RIGHTS EXPERT URGES END TO IMPUNITY

The Colombian government should speed up investigations into the murders of journalists and strengthen resources for protecting those targeted for their reporting, says the Organization of American States' (OAS) Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression.

In a new report examining the state of free expression in the conflict-ridden country, Eduardo Bertoni says those who commit crimes against journalists continue to live with impunity. "The chilling effect produced by threats and violence against journalists is amplified when the crimes go unpunished," he notes.

The report is based on a fact-finding mission to Colombia in April 2005 where the OAS met with government officials, journalists and civil society organisations.

Bertoni says the Office of the Public Prosecutor, the agency charged with investigating crimes against journalists, is plagued by weak resources and bureaucratic inertia. "The investigations ? show no sign of advancement, which helps to generate a climate of profound mistrust with respect to the administration of justice."

The report notes that government initiatives, including the Interior and Justice Ministries' "Journalist Protection Programme," has contributed to a marked decline in violent acts against journalists in recent years.

However, Bertoni says that the drop is partly due to the self-censorship that has increased in the journalism community. "Colombia's climate of persistent violence and aggression contributes greatly to the silencing of journalists."

Bertoni also expresses concern about the attitudes of senior government officials who have made public statements that stigmatise human rights organisations and other critics. "These declarations ? have fostered an increase in the tensions between the government and civil society."

The findings in Bertoni's report corroborate the reports of IFEX members who monitor freedom of expression in Colombia, including the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para la libertad de Prensa, FLIP).

To read the report, visit:
http://www.cidh.org/relatoria/ShowDocument.asp?DocumentID=153
More information on the role and function of the OAS Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression can be found here: http://www.cidh.org/Relatoria/index.asp?lID=1

Reports on Colombia by IFEX members can be accessed here:

- Joint Mission to Valle de Cauca: http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/69191/
- Joint Mission to Cúcuta: http://www.rsf.org/IMG/pdf/rapport_cucuta_en.pdf
- FLIP: http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/66567/
- Institute for Press and Society: http://www.ipys.org
- Inter American Press Association:
http://www.sipiapa.org/pulications/report_colombia2005.cfm
- Human Rights Watch: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2005/01/13/colomb9847.htm
- Committee to Protect Journalists:
http://www.cpj.org/attacks04/americas04/colombia.html
- International Federation of Journalists: http://www.ifj.org/default.asp?Index=3144&Language=EN
- Reporters Without Borders:
http://www.rsf.org/country-47.php3?id_mot=125&Valider=OK