Press release

Director-General condemns killing of journalist Rafael Emiro Moreno in Colombia

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has called for an investigation into the murder of online journalist Rafael Emiro Moreno who was shot dead in the Colombian city of Montelíbano on the night of 16 October.

21 October 2022

Last update:20 April 2023

I condemn the killing of Rafael Emiro Moreno. I call on the authorities to investigate this killing and bring those responsible to justice. All media workers must have all the necessary protection to ensure their safety and enable them to carry out their work, which is of inestimable importance to society as a whole.

Audrey AzoulayUNESCO Director-General

A community activist and director of digital media company Voces de Córdoba, Moreno, was murdered in front of a fast-food restaurant he owned. He had been under police protection since 2019 following death threats relating to his reporting on corruption and illegal armed groups.

UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.