Mexican lawyer Leopoldo Maldonado appointed UN special rapporteur for freedom of expression

Human rights organizations, international bodies, and media outlets celebrated the appointment of Mexican lawyer Leopoldo Maldonado Gutiérrez as the UN special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to opinion and expression.

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His experience, closeness to victims, and trajectory in defending rights and freedoms are a guarantee for the promotion of free expression globally.

The UN Human Rights Council made the designation on July 8 during its 62nd session. Maldonado's three-year mandate involves gathering information on freedom of expression violations, making recommendations to states, conducting official visits, and providing technical assistance.

The Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez Human Rights Center (Centro Prodh) lauded the decision, emphasizing Maldonado's extensive experience in defending human rights and his closeness to victims. The UN Office in Mexico also congratulated the lawyer, stating his expertise will strengthen the international mandate.

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His trajectory in the defense of human rights will strengthen this important mandate.

The Mexican Association of Female Judges (AMJAC) called the appointment a recognition of a career dedicated to defending fundamental freedoms. They stressed the mandate's importance in the current context, where freedom of expression, journalism, judicial independence, and human rights face growing challenges.

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We are proud that a Mexican has been appointed to carry out a mandate of such high relevance within the universal system for the protection of human rights.