The below is attributable to Acting Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power spoke with journalists from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua about the state of press freedom in their respective countries. During the meeting, the group discussed the challenges they face when reporting the news and the ways the U.S. Government and other members of the international community can help independent journalists and media outlets safely carry out and amplify the impact and sustainability of their efforts.
Administrator Power acknowledged the growing threats to press freedom in parts of Central America and underscored the vital work journalists are doing under challenging circumstances. Administrator Power emphasized that freedom of the press is a fundamental component of democratic development, and reaffirmed USAID’s commitment to defending democracy and civic space in Central America as a component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Root Causes Strategy.
