The IAPA initiative will continue with an emphasis on legal support, emergency response, and employability stipends
Miami (November 11, 2025) — The Latin American Network of Journalism in Exile (RELPEX), an initiative of the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) to support media outlets and journalists facing exile, mobility, or forced displacement, announces the start of its second year of operations, reaffirming its commitment to ensure that these organizations and professionals can carry out their reporting despite adverse conditions, censorship, and pressure from those in power.
RELPEX began operating in October 2024 thanks to seed funding from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). During IAPA’s 81st General Assembly in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, new resources were announced that ensure the continuity of the initiative for two more years, with an emphasis on its core programs of legal support, emergency assistance, and employability stipends, as well as the strengthening of strategic alliances to expand the reach and impact of its actions.
Among the most notable advances in this second year:
“Our goal is clear: forced displacement must not silence the voices of independent journalism in the region,” said Carlos Lauría, IAPA’s Executive Director.
During the Network’s first year, nearly one hundred exiled journalists facing various emergencies and needs received support. RELPEX, which started with 8 members, now has more than 340 participants. A detailed report on this first year can be found at this link.
RELPEX calls on organizations, foundations, and entities committed to press freedom to join this effort. Your support is vital to ensure that displaced journalists and media operating from exile continue to report with independence and rigor.
For more information about RELPEX and collaboration opportunities, please contact Carlos Lauría, IAPA’s Executive Director, at [email protected], or Mariana Belloso, Network Coordinator, at [email protected].
The IAPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of the press and expression in the Americas. It comprises more than 1,300 publications from the western hemisphere and is based in Miami, Florida, United States.