Mexico holds national meeting to protect journalists and human rights defenders

Authorities from all 32 Mexican entities participated in the second national meeting for the protection of human rights defenders and journalists. The gathering included representatives from the Ministry of the Interior, the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and various state justice prosecutors.

The meeting focused on advancing coordination and the implementation of three key protocols: a standardized protocol for investigating crimes against freedom of expression, a specialized protocol for crimes against human rights defenders, and a protocol for searching for missing persons when the victim is a journalist or defender.

State representatives, including officials from Tamaulipas, emphasized the need for institutional coordination between federal and state levels to improve prevention and response mechanisms. Discussions also addressed the repeal of criminal types that inhibit professional journalism and human rights advocacy.