"The Southern Voices Network, made up of 17 civil society organizations, and the organizations Reporters Without Borders, Global Justice, Women's Communication and Information (CIMAC) presented to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) their concerns regarding the murders and other types of violence against journalists as well as the deficiencies of the protection mechanisms for the press in the countries where they have been implemented. These organizations request that this information be turned into action to stop the serious violations of freedom of expression and press freedom in the region, given that there is no effective response from the States, and they are even the main aggressors.
During the 186th period of sessions of the IACHR, Pedro Vaca, Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Commission, said that 2022 was the most lethal year against the press. At the same time, he pointed out that he expected an honest, frank message of solidarity from the highest authorities of the States. 'I cannot say that there wasn't any, because there were some timid messages. But, what resounded were stigmatizing messages against journalistic work.' The rapporteur agreed that many journalists who asked for help from the State ended up being murdered. 'Tragedy is just a step away,' he said."
