IFEX-exclusive interview with IACHR Special Rapporteur Pedro Vaca Villarreal
At a time when the Americas region is facing critical freedom of expression & information challenges, we’re publishing an exclusive interview with Pedro Vaca, the new Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression at the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights (IACHR).
During the 45-minute video interview, recorded just a few weeks after Vaca was named to the role, journalist Vanina Berghella asks him about a wide range of issues and priorities for the Americas region — everything from the impact of COVID-19 on the media and the digital divide to gendered attacks on freedom of expression, journalist safety, and the responsibilities of digital platforms at a time when hate speech and misinformation are on the rise.
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IFEX joins human rights organisations from across the globe in calling for the unconditional and immediate release of prominent Bahraini human rights defender Abdul-Hadi al-Khawaja, who turns 60 on 5 April.
Turkey’s terrorism law used to punish reporters who don’t toe the official line on Kurdish issues
At least ten journalists will be in court on terrorism charges in the next few weeks, including IFEX member and RSF Turkey representative Erol Önderoglu.
Vietnam: Journalists and media watchdogs fear increased persecution
With the conclusion of the 13th Party Congress, watchdog groups foresee continued or worsened suppression of press freedom in Vietnam.
Hong Kong: Freedom House condemns convictions of pro-democracy figures, worsening crackdown
Seven of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy figures were convicted of organizing and taking part in an “unauthorized assembly” in August 2019. It was a massive protest attended by more than a million people who were protesting the proposed amendments to the extradition law.
Urgent release sought for 71-year-old Cameroonian journalist Amadou Vamoulké
Arbitrarily jailed for 5 years and struggling with chronic ailments, 71-year-old Cameroonian journalist Amadou Vamoulké writes an open letter to influential justice minister Laurent Esso seeking his release.
Coup terror in Myanmar, impunity in Afghanistan, and uproar in Bangladesh
March 2021 in Asia-Pacific: A free expression roundup produced by IFEX’s regional editor Mong Palatino, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.
