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A series of events that brought together key players in journalism and freedom of expression in Latin America and the Caribbean.
On 2 and 3 April 2024, San José, Costa Rica, emerged as the focal point of a series of events that brought together key players in journalism and freedom of expression in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Within the project "Supporting Media Spaces for Displaced Journalists" framework, launched by UNESCO's International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), various activities were conducted to address the growing challenges displaced journalists and media professionals face in the region.
The prevalence of violence against journalists has reached critical levels in Latin America and the Caribbean, with numerous cases of murder, harassment, and threats directly impacting freedom of expression and journalistic practice. According to UNESCO Observatory reports, between 2021 and 2023, 75 journalists lost their lives in the region. This violence, along with harassment and persecution, forces journalists to flee their homes and seek safety in neighbouring countries.
In this scenario, the UNESCO/IPDC project was launched to identify and articulate responses for the protection of displaced journalists, empowering them to continue with their journalistic work.
At the coordination meeting held on 2 April at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights Hearing Room, several issues were addressed from a multi-stakeholder perspective, fostering synergies among those engaged in addressing the plight of displaced journalists. From the presentation of the IPDC project's outcomes and findings to deliberations on future strategies to enhance and broaden initiatives supporting displaced journalists, the event provided a platform for reflection, dialogue, and proactive measures.
Distinguished speakers, including Judge Nancy Hernández López, President of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, representatives from international cooperation, UN agencies, civil society organisations, media associations, journalists' unions, and academia, shared their perspectives and pledges to address this issue in the short and medium term.
Ambassador Raul Fernández Daza, President of the Intergovernmental Council of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), underscored the international community's efforts to endorse projects that strengthen free, independent, and secure journalism in the region.
Roberto Rock, President of the Inter-American Press Association, emphasised that "for the IAPA, defending and supporting journalists in exile is an unavoidable priority, as their work is essential to upholding freedom of expression."
Synergies for action
Collaboration ties were strengthened throughout the day, and specific commitments were established to further advocate for initiatives to improve the safety and well-being of displaced journalists in the region.
Moderated by Rosa González, UNESCO's Regional Communication and Information Adviser for Latin America and the Caribbean, the coordination meeting addressed the following concrete initiatives:
Developing comprehensive support programmes for displaced journalists in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO, multi-stakeholder).
Psychosocial support for displaced journalists: Launch of the Working Group on Comprehensive Safety and Resilience of Displaced Journalists (UNESCO).
Consultation process regarding displaced journalists by the Special Rapporteurship on Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR)
Creating spaces for freedom in San José, Costa Rica (DW and IPLEX).
Establishing an Inter-American network to comprehensively support displaced journalists and media (IAPA's Exile Journalism Subcommittee).
Progressing towards a regional press accreditation for displaced journalists (FEPALC)
Promoting a Model Law on the Safety of Journalists (SOCOLAC)
Guidelines on legal measures for resettlement in Costa Rica, Mexico and the United States (Institute of War and Peace Reporting)
Researching displaced journalists in Latin America and the Caribbean (University of Costa Rica, Heinrich Böll Foundation)
Providing legal support to displaced journalists (University for Peace)
A panel discussion led by the Inter-American Press Association
One of the most relevant segments of the programme was the dialogue session with journalists who have experienced displacement, facilitated by the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA). During this session, attendees heard firsthand testimonies from professionals conducting their journalistic work outside their home countries.
Moderated by Roberto Rock, President of the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA), the event brought together prominent journalists from the region who have been forced to work in exile.
"Ceasing journalism in exile would exacerbate an already existing abuse," declared a prominent journalist. "To prevent news deserts in certain regions, we must explore sustainable models to support nomadic media and address the precariousness and informality of journalism in exile," he further emphasised.
"The distance from the story is very challenging," stressed one journalist. "Media organisations must be ready to support their journalists in exile and ensure they are not left alone in a foreign country”.
“Adequate preparation is essential for coping with the long-term nature of the situation," added another professional.
"Silences have consequences, sometimes understandable but always unacceptable... The media that persist in exile will become the pioneering voices of the emerging democracies," emphasised a journalist who has experienced displacement.
Training workshops
The coordination meeting and discussion were followed by training workshops tailored for displaced journalists in the identified priority areas: legal, psychological, media sustainability, and safety support.
Working towards a one-stop shop for journalists in forced displacement situations.
One of the project's recommendations is establishing a platform for coordinating support mechanisms for displaced journalists, utilizing a multi-stakeholder and coalition-based approach. This involves donor countries, UN agencies, civil society organisations, academic institutions, media organisations, and journalists' associations.
"UNESCO aims to facilitate the coordination of next steps with key actors to enhance and broaden assistance efforts for displaced journalists and media professionals. This includes supporting the establishment of a virtual space where assistance efforts can converge into a one-stop shop," stated Alexander Leicht, Director of the UNESCO San José Regional Office.
On 2 and 3 April 2024, San José, Costa Rica, emerged as the focal point of a series of events that brought together key players in journalis
