The International Association of Broadcasting (IAB) expresses its deep concern over the kidnapping of journalists Junior Célestin, from Radio Television Megastar, and Osnel Espérance, from Radio Uni FM, which occurred last Friday in downtown Port-au-Prince while they were carrying out journalistic duties.

IAB strongly condemns these acts and recalls that kidnapping, intimidation, or any form of violence against journalists constitutes a serious violation of freedom of expression and of society’s fundamental right to receive information, as established in the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

IAB urgently calls upon the competent authorities of Haiti and the international community to take all necessary measures to ensure the prompt release of the kidnapped journalists, as well as to guarantee the protection of media professionals who continue to carry out their work under conditions of extreme violence and insecurity.

Montevideo, March 17, 2026.