Freedom of Expression
Press Release 23/00
SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION TO VISIT GUATEMALA
The Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Organization of American States (OAS), Dr. Santiago A. Canton, is to visit Guatemala on April 11 to 14, 2000, at the invitation of the Guatemalan government. During his visit, the Special Rapporteur will meet with Guatemalan government officials, media figures, independent journalists, and civil society organizations, in order to gather information on the state of freedom of expression in that country.
The Office of the Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression is a permanent office with operational independence and its own budget. It was created by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights within the scope of the Commission’s authority and powers and it operates in accordance with that legal framework. The Office of the Rapporteur arose from the Second Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Americas, which was held in Santiago, Chile, in April 1998.
Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression
Washington, D.C. April 4, 2000