San Salvador, July 23 (EFE) – The University Human Rights Observatory (OUDH) raised concerns this Tuesday about the state of freedom of expression in El Salvador, describing it as "grave and fragile." The organization highlighted that the right to access public information has been significantly deteriorating.
Jorge RodrÃguez, the coordinator of the OUDH affiliated with the Jesuit Central American University (UCA), emphasized during the presentation of a report on press freedom in 2023 that the right to freedom of expression is not being adequately protected. He noted that, similar to other fundamental rights, it is experiencing a serious and fragile situation.
RodrÃguez pointed out that in recent years, various actions have threatened the freedom of expression for both journalists and citizens, with the refusal of governmental bodies to provide public information being particularly troubling. He revealed that the human rights entity analyzed 18 public institutions regarding their compliance with information-sharing in 2023, finding that most of these institutions refused to share information.
Furthermore, he mentioned that these institutions have violated the right to citizen participation by failing to prioritize it among their concerns.
Gabriela Santos, the director of OUDH, stated that "currently there is no protection from the State regarding press and expression freedoms." She added that the institutional framework is obstructing the exercise of this right. Even the Office of the Attorney for the Defense of Human Rights has not raised its voice in response to ongoing issues.
Santos emphasized that "the lack of access to public information is one of the main and most deeply felt limitations on the exercise of the right to freedom of expression." She compared access to public opinion to a key right that enables the exercise of other rights, such as freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
The report from the UCA’s Human Rights Observatory also stresses that over 300 assaults against journalists were recorded in 2023 by the Salvadoran Journalists Association (APES).
The OUDH is calling on the Salvadoran government and state to establish monitoring mechanisms to ensure adherence to international standards concerning the right to freedom of expression. They also urged the Attorney General’s Office to review and improve its internal practices to prevent violations of this freedom.
(c) Agencia EFE
Peace and transparency are essential for a democratic society, and it is crucial to ensure that citizens can freely express themselves and access the information they need.
Image and News Source: https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/deportes/ente-derechos-alerta-libertad-expresi%C3%B3n-192927254.html
