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ARTICLE 19 started to work in Latin America in 2000, following many invitations to take part in access to information campaigns in the region. As a result of our effective participation and growing role played in the promotion of access to information and freedom of expression in the region, we opened two offices in Brazil and Mexico in 2006-07.

Our presence in Latin America has given

us the opportunity to monitor and analyse the most important issues and trends relating to freedom of expression in the region. We have not just limited our presence to Mexico and Brazil but engaged in projects on freedom of expression and access to information in many other countries in Latin America. We have built networks with regional actors in the private and public sector as well as civil society organisations, journalists, media, governments and international bodies such as the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter American Commission on Human Rights.

The challenges relating to freedom of expression and access to information in Latin America are wide-ranging and complex. Although there are many countries within the region who have recognised and implemented right to know legislation, there are also many in which freedom of expression is hindered by ‘parallel powers’, government or other actors.

Access to information
ARTICLE 19 believes that access to information which is held by public authorities is a fundamental human right. This right should be applied at a national level through international legislation and standards, based on the principle of the highest level of accessibility and subject only to a limited number of exceptions.

Freedom of expression
The consolidation of democratic processes in Latin America has facilitated the dissemination of alternative opinions throughout Latin America. However, even though positive steps have been made towards strengthening the right to freedom of expression in many countries, this right continues to be threatened by among others factors such as organised crime, authoritarianism and media concentration.