Miami (April 27, 2026) – The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) approved, during its Midyear Meeting, a set of resolutions that will be submitted to authorities and international organizations across the hemisphere, in response to the growing deterioration of press freedom and the sustained increase in threats against the practice of journalism in the Americas.
These resolutions were adopted in a context in which the IAPA warned in its Conclusions of an increasingly critical scenario for freedom of expression, characterized by rising restrictions, violence, systematic harassment, and pressure from those in power.
Among the main points approved, the IAPA:
- Rejected undue restrictions on access to public information and official sources, which hinder the free exercise of journalism and affect the public’s right to be informed.
- Strongly condemned the murders of journalists in the region, including Robinson del Pezo and Fernando Álvarez in Ecuador; Carlos Castro and Miguel Ángel Beltrán in Mexico; and Mitzar Bato Castillejos and Fernando Núñez in Peru, as well as the kidnappings of Osnel Espérance and Junior Célestin in Haiti, and other forms of extreme violence against media workers.
- Warned about the stigmatization of journalism in Colombia, noting that such discourse constitutes a form of incitement to violence that encourages attacks against the press and deepens social polarization.
- Condemned systematic violations of freedom of expression in Cuba, including harassment, arbitrary detentions, surveillance, threats, and the criminalization of journalists, independent media, content creators, and citizens.
- Expressed concern over the escalation of attacks in the United States, including physical, judicial, administrative, and reputational actions against journalists and media outlets.
- Strongly condemned the State of Nicaragua for implementing a structural system of repression aimed at silencing and dismantling independent journalism.
- Urged the transitional authorities in Venezuela to urgently guarantee full respect for freedom of expression and of the press.
- Rejected acts of violence, threats, judicial harassment, stigmatization, and smear campaigns targeting journalists and media across the region.
The IAPA reiterated its call on governments to uphold democratic principles, ensure the safety of journalists, and combat impunity, while emphasizing the need to strengthen institutions that protect press freedom in the hemisphere.
The IAPA resolutions adopted during the Midyear Meeting, held virtually on April 23–24:
Access to Public Information
Colombia
Cuba
Killed and Disappeared
Nicaragua
United States
Venezuela
Violence, harassment, and other forms of intimidation
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
