By Ingrid Bachmann
Faced with systematic attacks against journalists and the media in parts of Mexico, the United Nations (U.N.) and the Organization of American States (OAS) have proposed a new risk category for reporters who work in conflict zones that aren't within the definition of war outlined by international treaties, reported La Jornada.
The announcement was made by Frank la Rue, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and Catalina Botero, Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for the OAS, will meet with federal and state authorities, journalists, politicians, and civil organizations during their first joint mission in Mexico, added El Universal and Notimex.
Besides Mexico City, La Rue and Botero will visit Chihuahua, Ciudad Juárez, Culiacán and Acapulco, where the violence and pressure against reporters has been most pronounced, explained EFE, and they will offer their conclusions at the end of the mission, Aug. 24, added Voice of America.
According to EFE, the Mexican government promised to both representatives to strengthen protection for journalists from organized crime violence and to investigate the killings of journalists.
Note from the editor: This story was originally published by the Knight Center’s blog Journalism in the Americas, the predecessor of LatAm Journalism Review.
