Freedom of Expression

Press Release 173/07

PRESS RELEASE

Nº 173/07

OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION THANKS COSTA RICA’S FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION

Washington, D.C., July 26, 2007 – The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) of the OAS expresses its gratitude for the important financial contribution of $ 3,185 provided by the government of Costa Rica.

This contribution aims to support the activities of the Office of the Special Rapporteur in promoting and defending the right to freedom of expression.

Ambassador Javier Sancho Bonilla gave the donation in the name of his government during a meeting with members of the IACHR and the Special Rapporteur for the Freedom of Expression, Ignacio J. Alvarez.

Ambassador Sancho Bonilla said that the donation was contribution from the people of Costa Rica to the Office of the Special Rapporteur’s work on freedom of expression.

The president of the IACHR, Florentin Melendez, said: "This contribution is an example of cooperation with the Inter-American human rights system, and of the democratic tradition of the Costa Rican people."

In thanking this contribution, Alvarez pointed out the historical relationship between the Costa Rican government and the Office of the Special Rapporteur. "This financial contribution is also an expression of political support to the work of the Office of the Special Rapporteur on the difficult situation of the freedom of expression within the region," he said.

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