Press release
UNESCO Director-General condemns the killing of journalist Patricio Ernesto Aguilar Vásquez in Ecuador
I condemn the killing of Patricio Ernesto Aguilar Vásquez and call for a full and thorough investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Impunity for such crimes must not be tolerated as it only deprives communities of essential information and emboldens those that seek to silence journalists.
Patricio Ernesto Aguilar Vásquez had worked as a journalist for 30 years and was the Director of the community digital newspaper, El Libertador de Quinindé. He was reportedly ambushed and killed in the Fundo Limón neighborhood by gunmen who shot him multiple times. He had reportedly received threats because of his reporting on violence in the region.
UNESCO promotes the through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the 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, 91鶹Ʒ 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.
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