Violent attacks against journalists, kidnappings and murders have increased in Mexico. Since 2000, 71 journalists have been killed nationwide, according to the National Commission of Human Rights in Mexico. Many more have been victims of threats, assaults and intimidation, while others have been forced to flee the country. Such violence is directly linked to territorial control by criminal groups over the main trafficking routes of illegal products or services, including drugs, migrants and trafficking of persons. In addition, these groups use corrupt practices to influence media coverage.
UNODC has teamed up with media representatives, universities and Federal and State level governments in Mexico to hold media consultation workshops throughout 2011 in the nine states most affected by crime against the media – Chihuahua, Tamaulipas, Baja California, Sinaloa, Durango, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacan and Mexico City. The workshops will produce strategies at state and federal levels, which will enable the provision of technical assistance to media practitioners, authorities and leaders from the main sectors of society involved with protecting the rights to freedom of speech and of the press. Therefore, issues such as lawful conduct, crime prevention, security and justice will be addressed.
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