About IFEX:

News by region:

IFEX Campaigns and Advocacy:

IFEX Email Products:

Opportunities and assistance:

Campaigns and Advocacy - South America

---

Ecuador

Seventeen states request respect for freedom of expression

Seventeen states from the Americas, Europe and Asia suggested that the Ecuadorian government should respect and guarantee the freedoms of the press and of expression in the country.

Ecuador

IFEX-ALC acknowledges Ecuadoran president's decision

IFEX-ALC values the pardon granted by President Rafael Correa, exempting three directors of the daily "El Universo" and a former feature writer from a sentence of three years in prison and a US$40 million fine, and refraining from pursuing further judicial action against the authors of the book "El Gran Hermano".

Venezuela

Freedom of expression continues to decline following government's rejection of UN recommendations

IFEX-ALC calls for and invites the government to accept its responsibilities with respect to freedom of expression by accepting the UPR recommendations, and to comply with all international freedom of expression standards.

Ecuador

Fundamedios welcomes "El Universo" pardon, but calls for continued monitoring of government's actions

"We prompt the international community to remain alert of any attempt to take down or weaken a scheme for the protection of rights," said the organisation.

Ecuador

Fundamedios condemns brutal blow against fundamental freedoms

Fundamedios believes that the sentence against "El Universo" will have calamitous consequences, not just for the exercise of the freedom of expression, but also for the effectiveness of democracy in Ecuador.

Ecuador

IFEX-ALC concerned over recent developments that undermine and jeopardise fundamental freedoms

The first incident involves the onerous, disproportionate and unjustified sentence handed down against journalists Juan Carlos Calderón and Christian Zurita, writers of the book "El Gran Hermano" (Big Brother), which highlights lucrative government contracts obtained by President Rafael Correa's brother.

Ecuador

WAN-IFRA denounces government's authoritarian turn

The WAN-IFRA report reveals that the Ecuadorean government is "establishing a strict control over all arenas of public debate, while couching this in a debate centred around media plurality".

Venezuela

Media Social Responsibility Law violates freedom of expression, says ARTICLE 19

On the one-year anniversary of the amendments to the law, ARTICLE 19's analysis concludes that the law places illegitimate restrictions on freedom of expression and information.

Colombia

IAPA submits two cases of unpunished murders of journalists to IACHR

Julio Chaparro and Jorge Torres were killed on April 24, 1991 in Segovia, where they had been sent by their newspaper, El Espectador of Bogotá, to cover the consequences of a massacre there two years earlier, in which 43 people died.

Ecuador

IFEX gravely concerned for safety of Fundamedios and others who attended IACHR hearing

IFEX is appealing to authorities to address the recent threats against IFEX member Fundamedios and its director, and the attempts by government supporters and state officials to discredit the organisation.

Ecuador

WPFC-FH submits amicus brief before Constitutional Court in support of decriminalisation of defamation sanctions

The brief is based on broad international jurisprudence - especially that of the inter-American justice system - that holds that defamation sanctions must be dealt with by civil, not criminal, courts.

Ecuador

Human Rights Watch calls for decriminalisation of defamation

Human Rights Watch submitted a joint amicus brief with the Center for Freedom of Expression and Information of the University of Palermo (Argentina) before the Constitutional Court of Ecuador, arguing that desacato norms violate Ecuador's international human rights obligations.

Colombia

President dedicates Chapultepec Declaration signing to murdered Colombian journalists

At the same time, President Juan Manuel Santos unveiled his plan to increase broadband internet access.

Ecuador

WAN-IFRA calls for dialogue amidst polarised media scene

The visit to assess the media situation in the country came as a follow-up effort after several expressions of concern by WAN-IFRA to the government in the past year, regarding a decline of freedom of expression in the country.

Venezuela

Venezuela rejects UN Human Rights Council freedom of expression recommendations

The final report presented at the conclusion of the Venezuela UPR process contained 148 recommendations, of which 95 were accepted, 15 deferred to the next stage and 38 rejected.

Venezuela

IFEX-ALC delegation submits recommendations on freedom of expression during Venezuela's UPR

IFEX-ALC calls on the UN Human Rights Council members to urge the Venezuelan government to uphold the right to free expression.

Ecuador

Correa lambastes press in Columbia speech

In a near hour-long speech given in English, the president was in turn pugnacious, scholarly, and withering in critiquing the private press that he alleged "lies" and has a "lack of love for the truth."

Ecuador

IAPA calls attention to Correa's conflicting positions on press freedom

A speech by President Rafael Correa at Columbia University in New York, "will serve to expose the inconsistent thinking of one who claims to support freedom of the press and of expression yet whose actions are totally opposed to such freedoms," IAPA noted.

Brazil

Government must pass right to information bill, says ARTICLE 19

According to the original Open Government Partnership roadmap, Brazil meets the criteria to participate in the OGP except for the absence of an access to information law.

Argentina

CPJ submits brief to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights concerning lawsuit filed by former president

A lawsuit alleging invasion of privacy brought by Carlos Menem against two journalists violates Article 13 of the American Convention on Human Rights, says CPJ.

Ecuador

RSF calls on Correa to take a firm stance regarding privately-owned media

President Correa cannot continue to hope to create a new pluralist order while continuing to respond in such an intransigent manner to minor criticism against him in the media, states RSF.

Peru

Open letter from RSF urges incoming president to ensure journalists "no longer fear imprisonment"

RSF's letter highlights the obstacles to media pluralism and freedom of information and urges the president to work towards their removal.

Ecuador

IAPA urges Ecuadoreans to defend freedom of expression

Members of a delegation to Ecuador expressed their concern over concentration of the media in government hands and harassment of the independent press.

Venezuela

IAPA university forum highlights Declaration of Chapultepec principles

The Caracas mayor and the Carabobo state governor committed to the principles of press freedom emanating from the Declaration, which has also been signed by 59 Western Hemisphere heads of state.

Peru

Attacks on the press rise in lead up to election

At least eight journalists have been physically attacked, threatened, or verbally harassed in response to their coverage of the presidential race.

Brazil

Forum participants oppose possible implementation of another press law

During a forum in Brasilia, several jurists, lawyers and journalists agreed that Brazil does not need a new press law to regulate the media.

Joint action - Ecuador

Thirty-three IFEX members urge the state to stop all attacks and persecutions against journalists and the media

IFEX members express their concern over the current situation of press freedom in Ecuador and the conditions of extreme hostility in which the country's journalists and private media must do their work.

Argentina

IAPA mission voices concern at state of press freedom

The IAPA mission was warned about the existence of legislation that could potentially restrict the media through discrimination in the granting of operating licences, and by interference in media content and editorial positions.

Colombia

IFJ backs silent march to denounce threats against journalists

The appeal followed recent threats made against FECOLPER President Eduardo Márquez, and other journalists who were targeted by the Black Eagles, an armed paramilitary group.

Ecuador

Referendum threatens press freedom, says CPJ

The upcoming referendum may restrict news content and weaken news media companies, CPJ noted.

Bolivia

Draft right to information law falls short of international standards, ARTICLE 19 says

According to ARTICLE 19, the draft law lacks a clearly stated presumption of disclosure and includes a broad regime of exceptions which takes no account of the public interest in having access to certain information.

Bolivia

After controversial anti-racism law, new media legislation in 2011

Ronald Grebe, a critic of President Evo Morales, condemns the lack of consultation prior to the adoption of the anti-racism law.

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.

Bolivia

New anti-discrimination law raises concerns

In a letter to President Evo Morales, CPJ called upon him to see that the law is amended to ensure constitutional safeguards for free expression.

Bolivia

IAPA mission validates its concerns about decline in press freedom

IAPA warns the new law is a step backwards for Bolivia because it ignores the Inter American Court of Human Rights' case law that decriminalizes offenses committed through the press

Joint action - Bolivia

Andean Group for Freedom of Information delivers letter to president condemning two articles in anti-racism law

According to the group, Articles 16 and 23 of the new law contravene freedom of expression principles.

Bolivia

IAPA calls on President Morales to reject clauses in new law that violate press freedom

In a letter to the president, IAPA insisted that he eliminate Articles 16 and 23 of the newly-enacted Law against Racism and All Forms of Discrimination.

Joint action - Bolivia

Twenty-four IFEX members express concern about proposed law that threatens media freedom

In an open letter to the president of the legislative assembly, 24 IFEX members express concern over two articles in the proposed Law against Racism and All Forms of Discrimination.

Peru

IAPA calls for creation of special court for crimes against journalists

IAPA reminded Supreme Court Chief Justice Javier Villa Stein that he had pledged to present to the Executive Council the idea of setting up a special criminal court that would hear cases of offenses against journalists.

Colombia

In response to IAPA request, Attorney General reopens investigations into cases of murdered journalists

Fourteen cases have been reconsidered after IAPA asked the Attorney General to review and reopen the cases of 27 murdered journalists.

Paraguay

IFJ backs launch of manifesto on media democracy

Only two percent of the radio spectrum in Paraguay belongs to community media, while 98% is controlled by commercial interests that determine the political agenda.

Ecuador

RSF publishes report on media volatility and proposed communications law

RSF raises concerns that rest less on the content of the proposed law than on essential supporting elements, without which its application could be compromised.

Joint action - Venezuela

Global Coordinating Committee of Press Freedom Organizations repudiates order for arrest of journalist Guillermo Zuloaga

The Committee members are calling on President Chávez to withdraw all proceedings that could cause the courts to take action against Zuloaga.

Brazil

IAPA asks President Inácio Lula da Silva to make crimes against journalists federal offences

The request is based on proposals and conclusions from a recent forum held in Rio de Janeiro on impunity and the media.

Colombia

Community radio stations are in need of protection, concludes AMARC mission

The mission's aim was to examine the state of freedom of expression and the situation of indigenous and Afro-Caribbean groups.

Colombia

Media targeted by intelligence services, notes RSF report

An RSF delegation travelled to Colombia to probe a witch hunt carried out during President Alvaro Uribe's two terms in office against critics of the government.

Take action! - Brazil

Sign letter to IACHR asking for justice in the murder of two journalists

IAPA's letter to the IACHR expresses hope that justice will be done concerning the murders of journalists Nivanildo Barbosa Lima and Jorge Vieira da Costa.

Peru

IAPA concludes mission to Peru

IAPA reviewed the possible reopening of an inland radio station and legal procedures in the case of a murdered journalist with President Alan García.

International / Chile / Haiti

On World Press Freedom Day, AMARC asserts communication rights of disaster-hit communities

Community radio stations played a vital role in disaster recovery and reconstruction after the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile.

Brazil

IAPA submits two unpunished cases of murdered journalists to IACHR

The IAPA submitted to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights the results of its investigations into the murders of Nivanildo Barbosa Lima and Jorge Vieira da Costa.

Colombia

Murdered journalist had asked police for better protection: radio station owner

IPI speaks to Rafael Gomez, owner and director of La Voz de Montería, about Clodomiro Castilla's death and the effect is will have on journalism in the country.

Ecuador

Draft communication law needs improvement, says ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19 calls upon the National Assembly to pay special attention to securing the free flow of information, ideas and opinions.

Joint action - Brazil

Over 70 organisations and experts worldwide urge Congress to approve access to information bill

The groups are imploring legislators to ensure the Bill meets international human rights standards on access to information.

Colombia

President Uribe to CPJ and FLIP, "Illegal spies are enemies of Colombia"

In a meeting with CPJ and FLIP, Uribe said that "those who restrict the freedom of a journalist must be fully prosecuted."

Brazil

First national conference on communications held in Brasilia

The conference brought together 1,684 delegates to discuss how to improve freedom of expression in the country.

Venezuela

IFJ says Chavez "war on media" is disastrous for democracy

At the end of a two-day visit, IFJ General Secretary Aidan White called on the government to end its campaign against independent journalism.

Bolivia

The government considers the press an enemy, says head of media freedom organisation

IPI interviewed media freedom campaigner Juan Javier Zeballos.

Venezuela

IPI completes press freedom mission to Venezuela

IPI conducted the mission to make an objective assessment of the current state of press freedom in the country.

Colombia

IAPA deplores delay in solving murder of journalist

Through ads published in newspapers throughout the western hemisphere, readers are invited to join the IAPA campaign "Let's Put an End to Impunity".

Take action! - Colombia

IAPA urges action on unpunished murder of journalist

IAPA has called on newspaper readers to sign a letter to Colombia's president urging him to take action against those guilty of the murder of journalist Flavio Iván Bedoya Sarriá.

Joint action - Venezuela / Cuba

Cuba and Venezuela called on to stop persecution of journalists

From Paris, IAPA and other international organizations urge Latin American governments to show greater respect for press freedom.

Brazil

IAPA issues call for action in murder case

IAPA called for signatures on letter to president asking him to bring those guilty of journalist's 2001 murder to justice.

Joint action - Colombia

CPJ and Human Rights Watch object to President Uribe's accusations against journalist Hollman Morris

(CPJ/HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 5 February CPJ and Human Rights Watch letter to Colombia's president, Álvaro Uribe Vélez:

Joint action - Cuba / Brazil / Venezuela

Global organisations call for release of jailed Cuban journalists, criticise Venezuelan press laws and media interference in Brazil

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 22 November 2006 IAPA press release:

Colombia

IFEX Members and Allies Rally in Support of Press Freedom in Colombia

A recent international mission took place in conjunction with the “Media Support Strategies” conference organised by the Proyecto Antonio Nariño - a coalition of media support organisations led by the Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa (FLIP) - along with International Media Support (IMS) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF), this past September 2006 in Bogota, Colombia. The conference included participation by various IFEX members, and emphasised the importance of developing national and international advocacy efforts. The Fundacion para la Libertad de Prensa (FLIP), Instituto de Prensa y Sociedad (IPYS) and IMS were recently interviewed about their efforts, insights and strategies towards promoting a climate of press freedom in Colombia in the face of mounting obstacles.