Report in Costa Rica highlights risks to press freedom and access to information during the 2022 general elections

On April 13th, the Office of Free Legal Assistance for Journalists in Costa Rica released the report "Freedom of Expression in Costa Rica: A Look at the 2022 Electoral Process" at the University for Peace.

The objective of this report was to investigate how a democratic state and guarantor of human rights promotes the exercise of freedom of expression and identify areas where defense and protection of freedom of expression in the country can be strengthened.

Monitoring of national and regional digital media platforms identified several problems, including limited access to public information and resources necessary for the dissemination of political ideas.

In addition, the lack of regulations guaranteeing equal access to traditional media and the use of discriminatory speeches were also observed, along with an increase in verbal, physical, and judicial attacks against journalists and media outlets.

The analysis highlights the importance of access to public information in a democratic society and the role of citizens in the electoral process. It also emphasizes the need to regulate the publication of survey results and to ensure equal access to media for all political parties.

The research also recommends the promotion of tolerance and respect for freedom of expression, as well as efforts to maintain online conversations within the realm of respect and protection of journalists in the country.

The event was attended by Juan Carlos Sainz-Borgo, Vice-Rector of U Peace, Mariateresa Garrido, U Peace professor, and Julián Godoy, Communication Officer of U Peace. The session was moderated by María Jesús Segnini.

Role of UNESCO San Jose in defending press freedom

From UNESCO San Jose, the safety of journalists and the fight against impunity for those who attack them are promoted as part of their support for freedom of the press and expression. National and regional capacities are also being developed to prevent, protect, and prosecute attacks against journalists, including the specific risks faced by women journalists.

In addition, in collaboration with U Peace, they are working on the project "Train the Trainer: Journalist Safety and Peacebuilding in Central America," which involves training 75 university professors in topics related to journalist safety and peacebuilding so that they can incorporate these topics into their classes.

This project seeks to include these topics in the curricula of universities throughout the region and to raise awareness among participants about the importance of communication for peacebuilding, the exercise of freedom of expression, and the protection of journalists.

As a result, it is expected to create a network of teachers with sensitivity to the topic who can collaborate with each other. The activities include the development of the academic program, virtual teaching of the content, and the presentation of final projects by participants.