At a press conference the UCC research team that took part in the Universities Hemisphere Conference held recently in Mexico by the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) presented the Declaration of Puebla, which contains a series of recommendations made by the 22 universities participating in that event.

Attending the activity were journalists from Mexican print media, radio and television, academics from various universities, students, professors and, representing the IAPA, Jaime Chamorro Cardenal, who is also editor of the La Prensa newspaper.

“All of us participating in the Hemisphere Conference made a commitment to propose reforms of public policies to reduce violence against journalists and the impunity that surrounds such crimes,” said Johanni Miranda, a law student and member of the UCC research team.

According to Miranda one of the main recommendations contained in the Declaration of Puebla is inclusion in laws that attacks on freedom of expression be offenses not subject to any statute of limitations, that if they were committed by public officials the penalties be stiffened, and that such cases be tried at the federal level and in civil court.

“This is fundamental and is among the recommendations that the attorneys general or justice ministers establish a specialized body charged with investigating cases of attacks on freedom of expression. There are many recommendations in the legal area,” the UCC student researcher declared.

Regarding institutions, the Declaration of Puebla calls on news media to ensure decent working conditions, salaries and protection for members of the press, and that they set up, in conjunction with the universities, clear rules and respect for the working conditions and wellbeing of students serving as interns in the media.

The Declaration of Puebla recommends that organizations defending journalists discuss policies for the protection of news men and women and report threats to, attacks on and the murder of journalists or any person exercising his or her right to freedom of opinion and free speech.

The journalists attending the press conference asked the UCC team about the universities’ contribution to the issue, it being noted that the Declaration of Puebla recommends adjusting study plans to meet the current reality of the press and creation of an ongoing in-depth educational program on the topic.

“One of our proposals was precisely to coordinate joint efforts by the universities belonging to the Association of Private Universities of Central America (AUPRICA) to raise awareness of the need to protect freedom of expression and of the press,” recalled UCC research team member Jeisel Matus.

At the end of the question-and-answer session Jaime Chamorro, in representation of the IAPA, presented a certificate of recognition to the UCC research team, made up of Jeisel Matus, Johanni Miranga, Tony Arellano and, as academic supervisors, Alfonso Garay, Ana Yansy Guardado and Marvin Jiménez.