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Campaigns and Advocacy - North America

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Canada

CJFE reflects on the state of rights on World Press Freedom Day

"If we value press freedom, we all need to take a closer look at the state of these rights here at home. When we look beyond the words of the Charter to the daily reality for working journalists, we see a gradual erosion of freedoms. And our government is a contributing factor, " said CJFE.

Canada

Federal government continues to receive failing grade on issue of free expression

Examining issues including privacy and anonymity on the Internet, cyber surveillance, whistleblowers, access to information, and collaborative journalism, CJFE's third annual Review of Free Expression in Canada provides an overview of issues facing Canadians from coast to coast.

United States

California Legislature recognises World Press Freedom Day

The resolution recognizes the role a free press plays within California and throughout the world in sustaining and monitoring democracy, contributing to greater accountability in government, and promoting civic participation and economic development.

Mexico

Journalist Marcela Turati sheds light on the social effects of drug trafficking violence

"The majority of Mexican journalists have become war correspondents in their own country ever since President Felipe Calderón launched his war against drug trafficking and the battles spilled out into the streets," says Turati.

Canada

Bill C-11 casts shadow over World Book Day celebrations

IPA is sending a letter to Canadian ministers about proposed legislation that poses a serious threat to educational publishing and creativity in general.

Canada

CJFE marks World Day Against Cyber Censorship by highlighting concerns with internet regulations

"Although Canada does not face the same type of Internet blackouts or direct online censorship and takedowns as many other countries, this does not mean that we can be complacent, or that we do not have reason for concern," said CJFE.

Canada

CJFE calls on government to stop muzzling scientists and researchers

In an letter to Prime Minister Harper, CJFE and their campaign partner organizations urge the government to implement a policy of transparent and timely communication to allow scientists to speak to the media.

Russia / Mexico

Meeting highlights common challenges faced by journalists, civil society activists

ARTICLE 19 and the Russian Union of Journalists (RUJ) held their first one-day meeting to share experiences of addressing violence against journalists, exchange best practices and strategies on protection, and learn from each other.

Mexico

Civil society organisations to host forum: "Justice for murdered and disappeared journalists"

The forum will be held in Mexico City on the 63rd anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Mexico

IAPA calls on Senate to pass constitutional amendment on crimes against journalists

The amendment, which was passed by the Chamber of Deputies, would enable federal authorities to prosecute crimes against journalists and freedom of expression.

Mexico

ARTICLE 19 highlights absence of protection of journalists before IACHR

ARTICLE 19's submission highlights how violent attacks against the press have resulted in a chilling effect on the media in several cities, especially those gripped by the ongoing public security crisis.

Uzbekistan / United States

United States urged to take tough stance on Uzbekistan

In a letter to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, human rights groups expressed concern over proposed legislation to permit military and other assistance to the Uzbek government, one of the most repressive in the world.

Mexico

IAPA calls for renewed commitment to investigation into journalist's still unpunished murder

Thus far there is no information about the investigation into the 2008 murder of Armando Rodríguez, nor whether anyone has been arrested or charged.

Mexico

Government urged to heed UN Working Group's recommendations in relation to missing journalists

A preliminary report by the UN Working Group on Enforced on Involuntary Disappearances highlights a number of ARTICLE 19's key concerns, especially in relation to the disappearance of journalists and the lack of information provided to their families.

United States

CJFE urges government to strengthen protection of whistleblowers

As the US prepares to host World Press Freedom Day, CJFE urges the government to re-evaluate its stance on the actions of Wikileaks and the alleged actions of Private Bradley Manning.

Mexico / United States

CJFE urges US authorities to grant Mexican journalist political asylum

Emilio Gutiérrez Soto is currently living with his son in Las Cruces, New Mexico, awaiting a decision from an immigration judge.

Mexico / United States

Government should hold security forces accountable, protect journalists, rights defenders, says Human Rights Watch

Deaths tied to drug violence and grave human rights violations have increased significantly since Calderón deployed the military in 2007 to combat drug cartels.

China / United States

CPJ asks Obama to raise press freedom issues with Chinese President Hu Jintao

CPJ wrote to President Obama in advance of the Chinese president's visit to the United States.

United States / International

RSF sends letter to President Obama and General Attorney Holder regarding possible criminal prosecution of Julian Assange

RSF is concerned that any arbitrary prosecution of WikiLeaks for receiving and publishing sensitive documents would inevitably create a dangerous precedent.

Mexico / United States

Border editors, publishers, reporters agree to combat violence, impunity in Mexico

Participants at the Border Editors and Newspaper Publishers Forum analysed the situation facing the Mexican press and studied how to make the profession safer under government protection.

Mexico

IAPA calls for renewed efforts in investigation into murder of journalist

A letter signed by hundreds of newspaper readers was sent to the president, urging him to ensure that those responsible for killing Armando Rodríguez are brought to justice.

Canada

RSF interview with journalist who won right to protect source

"By finding in my favour, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed that protection of sources remains the rule," Daniel Leblanc said.

Indonesia / United States

Obama urged to make a stand for human rights during Indonesia visit

US President Barack Obama should encourage Indonesia to take concrete measures to protect free expression and religious freedom, and to require accountability by the armed forces, Human Rights Watch said.

Colombia / United States

US Congress and Obama administration urged to examine dark side of Uribe years

Colombian journalists Claudia Julieta Duque and Hollman Morris were scheduled to participate in a news conference organised by RSF in Washington, DC.

Joint action - China / United States

US should adopt principled China policy, say human rights advocates

In a letter to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, three IFEX members and other groups urge her to take a series of steps prior to the upcoming US-China summit.

Mexico

IAPA posts video on anti-impunity battle in Mexico on Youtube

The first in a series of IAPA videos takes place in Nuevo Laredo, where the "El Mañana" newspaper finds itself caught up in the fight against the illegal drug trade.

Joint action - Mexico

Ten IFEX members and other organisations issue statement regarding dire press freedom situation in Mexico

The groups agreed there is a need for freedom of expression and journalists' organisations to continue and add to measures that promote and support the right of journalists and media outlets to carry out their work.

Mexico

Forum calls for a united Mexican press to combat crime, violence

During a number of panel discussions, an agreement was reached to monitor the federal government's promises and support the formation of a system to protect journalists.

Mexico

President Calderón pledges to push for legal reforms and protection to safeguard press freedom

The president told a delegation from IAPA and CPJ that he will insist on making crimes against journalists federal offences.

Take action! - Mexico

Sign a letter calling for an end to impunity

Readers are invited to sign a letter to the president calling for the implementation of legal mechanisms to confront the increasing violence against journalists.

Mexico

IAPA, UNAM wind up online course with forum on violence, press freedom

IAPA's president said, "This course has come at the right time, when journalists and media in Mexico have had to put up with the scourge of violence."

United States

"Criticism of Wikileaks is not a call for censorship or support for the war," says RSF

The Wikileaks website is facing possible closure in the US and targeted persecution of its contributors, following its decision to post leaked reports naming Afghan civilians who have collaborated with the international military coalition.

Mexico

Special Mandates on freedom of expression make landmark visit

This unprecedented envoy is a severe indictment of the rapidly deteriorating freedom of expression situation which has witnessed increasing impunity to the violence being perpetrated against its media outlets, ARTICLE 19 said.

United States

Open letter to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange: "A bad precedent for the Internet's future," RSF says

Wikileaks posted the article "Afghan War Diary 2004 - 2009" together with 92,000 leaked documents disclosing the names of Afghans who have provided information to the international military coalition that has been in Afghanistan since 2001.

Take action! - Canada

CJFE collecting information from journalists who covered the G20 summit

CJFE is asking journalists who believe their freedom of expression was compromised by police/security personnel to complete a survey.

Mexico

Federal forces increasingly harass journalists

In a letter to President Calderón, CPJ expresses concern about a series of incidents in which federal security forces have attacked reporters who cover crime and report on law enforcement operations.

Mexico / United States

CPJ urges Obama and Calderón to address press freedom crisis in Mexico

Violence has become so pervasive that trafficking organisations now exert effective censorship over key issues that resonate on both sides of the border.

China / United States

Use talks to address human rights backsliding, US secretary of state urged ahead of dialogue with Chinese government

Benchmarks are essential for an effective dialogue with the Chinese government, Human Rights Watch noted.

Canada

CJFE releases first report card on free speech in Canada

The 2009 Free Expression Review is being released on World Press Freedom Day.

United States

Mumia Abu-Jamal: half his life spent on death row

RSF is concerned over a recent legal setback that could expedite Mumia Abu-Jamal's execution and is supporting a petition submitted by his supporters.

Kazakhstan / United States

CPJ asks Obama to raise poor press record with Kazakhstan

On 12 April 2010, US President Obama will be meeting in Washington with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Mexico

ARTICLE 19 welcomes UN Human Rights Committee Periodic Report

The organisation welcomes the Committee's fifth periodic report and its reflection of ARTICLE 19's concerns regarding the deterioration of freedom of expression in Mexico.

Americas / Canada

CJFE welcomes Canadian government critique, but calls for further action

CJFE asks the Canadian government to respond to situations in other countries of concern in the Americas, including Mexico and Colombia.

International / United States

Human rights advocates present plan of action to Obama administration

President Obama was urged to prioritise freedom of expression and association, and support human rights defenders.

Mexico

Mexican editors, publishers call for government action

The governor of Durango agreed to review investigations into the murder of four journalists in his state.

Mexico

New special prosecutor must focus political will in one of world's deadliest places for journalists, says ARTICLE 19

A lack of political will and the limited mandate of the Special Prosecutor for Crimes Against the Media have resulted in many investigations being suspended.

Canada

CJFE starts "Olympic Watch" in the lead up to the Vancouver Olympics

CJFE has noted several confrontations where free expression has come under threat due to overzealous protection of the Olympic brand and events connected to the Games.

Asia and Pacific / United States

Obama should press Asian leaders on rights, says Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch called on Obama to raise the lack of democratic change in Burma, restraints on freedom of expression across the region, widespread impunity for rights violations, and a weak regional human rights institution.

United States

Book groups support Patriot Act reform bill in House

People are urged to contact members of the House of Representatives in support of a bill banning the government from using the Patriot Act to identify the books that people borrow or purchase.

China / United States

PEN calls on President Obama to stand up for free expression in China

On the eve of Barack Obama's first state visit to China, PEN American Center has sent a letter urging the president to intervene on behalf of the more than 40 writers imprisoned in that country because of their work.

Awards / Canada

CJFE honours Paul Pritchard with the first CJFE Citizen Journalism Award

The award was presented to the man who shot the video that changed how tasers are used by police departments in Canada.

United States

Marking World Day Against the Death Penalty, RSF releases interview with imprisoned journalist's lawyer

Lawyer Robert R. Bryan discusses the Mumia Abu-Jamal case and the current situation of the death penalty in the United States.

Joint action - Mexico

Four IFEX members express their position regarding the National Human Rights Commission's recommendation on crimes against journalists

Several freedom of expression organisations have said that a clear mechanism is required for implementation of the National Human Rights Commission's recommendation on crimes against journalists.

Mexico

IAPA, Mexico Supreme Court forum encourages adoption of inter-American legal standards

A judicial forum organized by the IAPA and the Supreme Court called for the application of inter-American legal standards to resolve conflicts concerning press freedom.

Mexico / Awards

Mexican cartoonist receives CRNI Award for Courage in Editorial Cartooning

Mario Robles has been a recognised and respected political cartoonist for over 30 years.

Mexico

CJFE calls on government to make killing a journalist a federal offence

In a letter to the Ambassador of the Republic of Mexico for Canada, CJFE calls on the Mexican government to make killing a journalist a federal offence and to ensure that the murderers of journalists are prosecuted.

United States / Middle East and North Africa

CPJ urges President Obama to reaffirm U.S. leadership on press freedom when he speaks in Cairo

In a letter to President Obama, CPJ suggests steps that his administration can take to bring U.S. policy in the Arab and Muslim worlds in line with the U.S.'s commitment to freedom of expression.

Mexico

ARTICLE 19 calls for a federal policy to prevent aggressions against journalists

ARTICLE 19 calls on the Government of Mexico and President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa to establish a committee to protect journalists and implement a comprehensive strategy to stop attacks on journalists and media workers.

Mexico

IAPA conference calls on government for transparency in its war on drugs

Calling on the government of Mexico to carry out its battle with drug traffickers openly and with respect for the press's duty to inform the public, the Inter American Press Association-organized conference "The Press, the Government and Organized Crime," wound up here today.

Joint action - Mexico

Three IFEX members and Mexican organisations denounce criminal prosecution of community radio station Tierra y Libertad

(AMARC/IFEX) - The following is a 16 March 2009 joint statement by AMARC, ARTICLE 19, Reporters without Borders and four other organisations:

Joint action - China / United States

Three IFEX members and four other organisations urge U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to make censorship, human rights abuses key issues in state visit to China

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 12 February 2009 joint letter by Human Rights Watch, Freedom House, Reporters Without Borders and four other organisations:

Joint action - United States

ARTICLE 19 and Privacy International welcome move to improve public access to government information

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 23 January 2009 joint statement by ARTICLE 19 and Privacy International, an interim member of IFEX:

Joint action - Mexico

Environment of fear prompts journalists to go into exile, self-censor or risk violent attack, says RSF/CEPET report

(RSF/CEPET/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 22 January 2009 joint RSF and CEPET press release:

Joint action - Mexico

Civil rights groups call on Mexican government to investigate crimes against freedom of expression

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IFEX) - The following is a 21 October 2008 joint press release by ARTICLE 19, CENCOS and the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC):

Mexico

IFEX members take action to protect journalists against violence in Mexico

Under the slogan "What you don’t know can hurt you”, ARTICLE 19 and the National Center for Social Communication (CENCOS) have launched the Permanent Campaign to Protect Journalists in Mexico on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Joint action - Mexico

International mission finds "shocking culture of impunity" surrounding violence against journalists

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 19 July 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release about the findings of a joint mission to Mexico undertaken by a number of international press freedom organisations:

Joint action - Mexico

Violent police raid, closure of community radio station condemned by AMARC and ARTICLE 19

(AMARC/ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 10 June 2007 joint AMARC and ARTICLE 19 press release:

Joint action - Mexico

Three IFEX members urge new investigation into journalist's 2004 murder following new revelations

(CEPET/IFEX) - The following is a 3 June 2008 joint press release by CEPET, PROBIDAD and RSF:

Joint action - Mexico

Member of free expression mission called "enemy of the state" by government official; six IFEX members, others protest

(AMARC/IFEX) - The following is an 8 May 2008 AMARC press release:

Joint action - Mexico

ARTICLE 19, CENCOS and IPYS condemn federal police assaults on four journalists in Culiacán

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IPYS/IFEX) - The following is a 7 May 2008 joint press release of ARTICLE 19, CENCOS and IPYS:

Joint action - Mexico

AMARC, ARTICLE 19 and RSF condemn murder of two community radio journalists in Oaxaca, urge protection of survivors of attack

(AMARC/IFEX) - The following is a 9 April 2008 joint statement by AMARC, ARTICLE 19 and Reporters without Borders:

Joint action - Mexico

Four IFEX members call for action on crimes against journalists

(CENCOS/IFEX) - The following is a joint 14 February 2008 press release by AMARC-Mexico, ARTICLE 19-Mexico, CEPET, CENCOS and other organisations:

Joint action - Mexico

CENCOS and ARTICLE 19 urge protection for journalists in Veracruz state following attempted murder, threats

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IFEX) - In an interview with Octavio Soto Torres, the founder-director of the weekly "Voces de Veracruz", ARTICLE 19 and CENCOS obtained additional information on the 23 January 2008 attempted assassination of which the journalist was the victim.

Joint action - Mexico

Five IFEX members condemn Supreme Court decision on Lydia Cacho case

(CENCOS/IFEX) - The following is a 29 November 2007 joint statement by five IFEX members and other organizations and individuals: