Guatemala City, by Brenda Larios -AGN- President Bernardo Arévalo met with the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights -IACHR-, Pedro Vaca, and with the Executive Secretary of the IACHR, Tania Reneaum.
The Secretariat of Social Communication of the Presidency informed this through a press release, “The delegation took the opportunity to visit the Press Room of the Secretariat of Social Communication of the Presidency, Ronaldo Robles, located in the Patio de La Vida in the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura, accompanied by the Press Secretary, Haroldo Sánchez.
The meeting
At the end of the meeting, Tania Reneaum Panszi, Executive Secretary of the IACHR, stated, “There is a hopeful expectation. We saw the openness of the government of President Bernardo Arévalo and Vice President Karin Herrera to international observation and monitoring.”
She made the statement after a meeting with the president, within the framework of the two-day visit of a delegation of the IACHR to the country.
Press room “Ronaldo Robles”
As part of its efforts to promote the free expression of thought, the IACHR delegation visited the press room. This room was set up by the current administration at the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura for journalists from different media entities.
It is named after the late journalist Ronaldo Robles and allows the media to practice journalism freely.
In this regard, the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Pedro Vaca, emphasized that this favorable attitude has facilitated the conditions needed for their arrival.
He mentioned, “They have made our visit easier, especially after a period of isolation in which a significant deterioration of journalism in the country was evidenced.”
This project adds to a series of initiatives promoted by the government to strengthen institutions and initial steps towards a closer relationship with the press.
Freedom of speech
The Director of the Presidential Commission for Peace and Human Rights -Copadeh-, Héctor Oswaldo Samayoa, said that this is an example of the government of President Arévalo to promote democracy in the country.
He mentioned, “I think this visit is important because it promotes human rights. This is one of the most important axes for strengthening democracy, freedom of the press, and freedom of expression, which is fundamental for democracy.”
He added that Copadeh would continue working to strengthen the dialogue for the respect of human rights in the country.
