Press release
UNESCO Director-General condemns killing of journalist Victor Alfonso Culebro Morales in Mexico
I condemn the killing of Victor Alfonso Culebro Morales and call for the perpetrators of this crime to be brought to justice. Journalists play a vital role in informing populations, and effective protection mechanisms must be put in place to ensure their safety.
Victor Alfonso Culebro Morales was an online journalist and Director of the online news portal, Realidades, on Facebook, dedicated to covering security issues, criminal disputes on tourism and the displacement of families in the region. His body was reportedly found with signs of torture on the side of a highway, after having been reported missing the day before.
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.
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, UNESCO has 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.
More information: www.unesco.org
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