Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Geneva (Agenzia Fides) - Seven States represented in the Human Rights Council of the United Nations (UN), including the representative of the Holy See, expressed their concern about the situation of vulnerability in which the press and the right to freedom of expression in Guatemala find themselves, calling on the authorities to take the necessary security mechanisms for journalists. According to the note on behalf of CELAM (Latin American Episcopal Council) sent to Fides Agency, the recommendation was made during the meeting called "UPR" (Universal Periodic Review), an organization of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, which assesses the human rights situation in all countries: on Wednesday, October 24 the Guatemalan state was taken into account. The Vatican representative has asked the government to ensure that people have access to information, through an effective protection of journalists and the media.
The Holy See, in the intervention of their representative, noted that the Guatemalan press is threatened by the actions of organized crime groups and drug trafficking, and urged the authorities to promote special protection. In this session, Austria expressed concern about the impunity that surrounds cases of attacks and threats against journalists in Guatemala. Norway recommended an effective reform to the telecommunications Act in order to give legal recognition to community radio, so finally the indigenous peoples have access to the media. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 29/10/2012)
