Bogotá (January 14, 2026) — The Latin American Network of Journalism in Exile (RELPEX), an initiative of the Inter American Press Association (IAPA), announced the awarding of scholarships to six Central American journalists who are members of the network to participate in the CONNECTAS – Martin Baron Chair 2026, the most relevant training program for editors and newsroom leaders in the hemisphere.
RELPEX is an IAPA initiative created to support journalists and media outlets facing exile, displacement, or forced mobility through comprehensive assistance that includes legal counseling, mental health support, employability opportunities, and professional training.
In contexts of persecution and censorship, one of the most urgent challenges for journalists working from exile is gaining access to credentials and networks that allow them to continue their work in host countries. Within this framework, these scholarships are part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring the continuity of quality journalism, even under adverse conditions.
RELPEX keeps its network open to journalists in exile or displacement across the region, who may register to access training opportunities, professional support, and collaborative networks.
“Our commitment is to ensure that critical voices are not silenced through persecution. This means not only denouncing abuses, but also strengthening the professional capacities of journalists working in contexts of vulnerability, regardless of where they are located,” said Carlos Lauría, Executive Director of the IAPA.
About the CONNECTAS – Martin Baron Chair
From January 12 to 23, 2026, in Bogotá, CONNECTAS will hold the sixth edition of its Intensive Editors Training Program, a chair that brings together 22 editors from 12 countries across Latin America and the United States. The program is led by Martin Baron, former Executive Editor of The Washington Post and one of the most influential figures in contemporary journalism.
The Martin Baron Chair is designed to strengthen editorial leadership and the sustainability of independent media, with an emphasis on innovation, strategic decision-making, journalistic ethics, and audience engagement.
The academic team includes leading figures in regional journalism, including Ana Lucía Duque and Carlos Eduardo Huertas (CONNECTAS), Martín Rodríguez Yebra (La Nación, Argentina) and Juan Luis Sánchez (eldiario.es, Spain). As guest speakers, Juanita León (La Silla Vacía, Colombia), Nelson Freddy Padilla (El Espectador, Colombia), and Mauricio Sánez (CONNECTAS) will participate.
On this occasion, participants will also share experiences with the winners of the LEGADO Award, Mexican journalist Carmen Aristegui and Peruvian journalist Gustavo Gorriti, who will receive this distinction on Thursday, January 15, as part of the Chair program.
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.