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Judicial Empowerment for Freedom of Expression in Bolivia
The "Workshop for Judicial Operators on the Toolkit for Judicial Operators: International Legal Standards on Freedom of Expression, Access to Information, and Safety of Journalists" – "Update on the Inter-American Human Rights System on Freedom of Expression," held on November 28 and 29, 2023, in Sucre, Plurinational State of Bolivia, served as a national dialogue to enhance judicial skills in the field of freedom of expression.
Organized collaboratively by UNESCO, The State School for Judges of Bolivia, and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the workshop received financial support from the Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP), fueled by donors committed to the promotion of freedom of expression and safety of journalists globally. It brought together 9 male and 9 female judges from diverse departments of Bolivia (Beni, Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, PotosÃ, Tarija, and Santa Cruz). With their varied expertise, these judges are poised to become local disseminators of the insights gained during the workshop.
Specifically, the workshop drew upon UNESCO's tools for judicial actors, such as "Caja mundial de herramientas para escuelas judiciales iberoamericanas" (Global Toolkit for Ibero-American Judicial Schools) and its complement, "Actualización de la Jurisprudencia del Sistema Interamericano de Derechos Humanos sobre libertad de expresión" (Update on the Jurisprudence of the Inter-American Human Rights System on Freedom of Expression). These resources provided crucial information on the legal foundations of freedom of expression, access to information, and safety of journalists. They also delivered new insights into pressing issues, including violence against journalists, the protection of female journalists, and standards for diversity and pluralism.
Notable trainers included Mario Saúl Andrade Gutiérrez, Corporate Lawyer and expert in Constitutional Law, specializing in Intellectual Property, Arbitration, and the sector of telecommunication; Edison Lanza, former Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Uruguayan lawyer, and consultant on informational freedom; Indira Salazar-MartÃnez, Communication and Information Sector Officer at UNESCO Quito with representation for Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela; and Gloria Moronta, Human Rights Officer at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner in Bolivia.
The workshop commenced with an inauguration by Dr. Lucio Valda, President of The State School for Judges, and Indira Salazar-MartÃnez, highlighting the imperative of capacity building for judicial operators. Crucial topics, such as the judiciary's role in democracy, connection to the , and freedom of expression, were detailed, emphasizing the UNESCO Global Judges’ Initiative. A dedicated session analyzed the Bolivian legal framework on freedom of expression, featuring presentations from Dr. Marco Andrade and Gloria Moronta which addressed laws that protect journalistic activities.
On the second day, Dr. Lanza led a session on the jurisprudence of the Inter-American Human Rights System, exploring the functions of freedom of expression, its exercise limits, and violence against journalists. The right to access to information was examined by analyzing its international legal framework, state obligations, and limitations, followed by a practical group exercise. The safety of journalists, with special attention to women journalists, was addressed by Indira Salazar-MartÃnez and Dr. Marco Andrade.
The workshop concluded with reflections and recommendations, underscoring the importance of continuing collaboration within the cooperation framework between UNESCO and The State School for Judges of Bolivia. Beyond strengthening judicial capacities, this event set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at enhancing freedom of expression and safety of journalists, not only in Bolivia but also for the broader international community. The collaboration among experts, judges, and international organizations emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing challenges and promoting a conducive environment for press freedom and secure journalism in the region.
