Press release
UNESCO Director-General condemns killing of journalist Raúl Irán Villarreal Belmont in Mexico
I condemn the killing of Raúl Irán Villarreal Belmont and call for a swift and thorough investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Impunity for crimes against journalists must not be allowed to prevail, as it emboldens those that seek to silence them.
Raúl Irán Villarreal Belmont was an investigative journalist and founder of the digital media outlet Observatorio Ciudadano. His body was reportedly found riddled with bullets on a highway near San Luis de la Paz, after being abducted by an armed group. He is the fifth journalist killed so far this year in Mexico.
UNESCO promotes the through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
About UNESCO
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, 91鶹Ʒ offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.
“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.
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