As Honduras' new president, Porfirio Lobo Sosa is being sworn in, seven international press freedom and freedom of expression organisations today launch a report warning against the collusion between the media, political parties and even the government that has created an unhealthy environment for a free press. Full report in Spanish

January 27. Press release issued by the International Mission to Honduras (For press release in SPANISH);

Since president Manuel Zelaya was overthrown by a military coup on June 28, 2009, after members of the opposition, headed by Roberto Micheletti, accused him of trying to change the Constitution to allow the reelection of the president, Honduras has been stuck in the worst political crisis in Central America for years, with devastating effects on freedom of expression and the press.

From November 1-7, 2009 a mission for freedom of the press and freedom of expression – representing seven international organizations – visited Honduras to analyze the situation of the journalists and the media in the country. During five days the members of the mission visited the capital, Tegucigalpa, and the cities of San Pedro Sula, El Progreso and Santa Rosa de Copán.

Press freedom in Honduras is practiced in an adverse environment and lack of security. This situation is not new. However, the political crisis unleashed on June 28 has revived the threats and risks, those who exercise the right of freedom of expression through the media have to confront. The multiple pressures from both parts in the political conflict to influence the editorial line of the media – including physical aggression against the employees – are the particular characteristics of the prevailing stage for the press in Honduras.

The International Mission found that the main obstacles to a free and independent exercise of journalism in Honduras are:

• - The collusion between the media, part of the political leadership, the government in power and some journalists, to adapt reality to the economical and political interests they defend.
• - An advanced state of insecurity and self censorship promoted by a “media war” between the media.

The Mission addressed a series of recommendations to the different actors involved in the defense, protection and exercise of freedom of expression and press freedom.

Recommendations to the State of Honduras:

- To adopt positive, clear and effective measures to stop the threats and physical attacks from different official and non-official actors, who try to censor those who exercise, promote and defend the right of freedom of expression and freedom of the press;

- Stop all those practices by the authorities that restrict freedom of expression and freedom of the press, in particular when these practices are aimed at influencing the media’s editorial independence through the inappropriate and discretionary use of funds reserved for buying space for publicity in the media.

- Guarantee the unlimited access for journalists and media to all government information, in accordance with the spirit of the principles in the Constitution and the Law on Transparency and Access to Information, and in accordance with international agreements and standards on the subject.

- Guarantee the right of the media, be they commercial, public or community-based, to have their work and independence protected by the law through the ruling of an independent institution. 

Recommendations to the National Congress:

Reform the laws and regulations related with all kinds of media to strengthen the diversity, independence and pluralism, as well as to guarantee transparency and equity in the procedure of granting concessions and licenses.

- Recognize and include community and indigenous radios, as well as the alternative media, in the Telecommunications Law.

- Abolish any article in the Penal Code that criminalize defamation, slander and libel, in particular Article 155. 

Recommendations to journalists and media:

- Promote a dialogue between editors, journalists and communicators about democracy and freedom of expression and promote a dialogue between journalists and communicators and human rights organizations.

- Stimulate a debate about the potential value that the reconciliation of political tensions and confrontations, and the exercise of an independent, professional and objective journalism, represent for the Honduran society.

The mission was carried out jointly by the following organisations:

International Media Support (IMS)
ARTICLE 19, Asociación Mundial de Diarios (WAN/IFRA)
Asociación de Entidades Periodísticas de Argentina (ADEPA)
Asociación Mundial de Radios Comunitarias (AMARC)
Federación Internacional de Periodistas (FIP)
Free Voice
Reporteros sin Fronteras (RSF)

For further information, please contact/Atentamente:

Lotte Dahlmann, Coordinadora de Comunicaciones, International Media Support

Mob: +45 25 54 35 41