INSTITUTIONAL MANIFESTO

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In Defense of Freedom of Expression, the Life of Dr. Ricardo Nieves, and the Protection of the Environmental Heritage of the Dominican Republic

The Hispano-American Press Congress, the World Environmental Congress (COMMA), and the World Press Congress, institutions committed to the defense of press freedom, human rights, the rule of law, and the protection of the environment, hereby make public their strongest condemnation of the threats reported against Dr. Ricardo Nieves, distinguished journalist, lawyer, physician, academic, international lecturer, and member of our organizations.

We express our full solidarity with Dr. Ricardo Nieves, whose career of more than four decades has been dedicated to defending the national interest, preserving natural resources, and practicing responsible journalism that is critical, independent, and committed to the truth.

Threats directed against a journalist for carrying out his professional duties constitute an attack on freedom of expression, the public's right to be informed, and the fundamental principles that uphold every democracy. When an attempt is made to silence a voice that denounces possible attacks against a nation's natural heritage, it is not only an individual who is being attacked: it is the collective right of a people to defend its territory, its resources, and its future.

For decades, Dr. Ricardo Nieves has maintained a firm position on matters of high national interest related to the protection of rivers, mountains, national parks, watersheds, biodiversity, and natural resources. His commitment has transcended particular interests to become a permanent defense of the common heritage of all Dominicans.

Forests, mountains, and water sources do not belong to one generation or to any government. They constitute an inalienable legacy that must be preserved for those who will inherit this nation. Without water, there is no agriculture; without forests, there are no rivers; without mountains, there is no climatic balance; without protected areas, there is no sustainable future.

Therefore, we express our deep concern and denounce any action that contributes to the indiscriminate destruction of national ecosystems through illegal logging, pollution, irresponsible exploitation of natural resources, or any other activity contrary to current environmental legislation.

We call upon the Dominican Journalists' Association (CDP), the National Union of Press Workers (SNTP), national and international journalistic organizations, human rights advocacy organizations, environmental movements, academia, UASD, churches, organized civil society, and all citizens committed to democracy to publicly express their support for Dr. Ricardo Nieves and for all those journalists and environmental defenders who, with courage, fulfill their duty to denounce acts they consider harmful to the national interest.

Likewise, we urge the Dominican State, within the framework of its constitutional and legal obligations, to guarantee the effective protection of those who practice journalism and defend the environment, as well as to diligently investigate any complaint involving threats or acts of intimidation, while respecting due process and the rule of law.

We call upon the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for the Defense of the Environment and Natural Resources, and all competent institutions to enforce the Constitution and environmental laws with absolute independence, transparency, and equality before the law, without privileges or exceptions.

No economic, political, or private interest may be placed above the nation's right to preserve its forests, protect its rivers, safeguard its mountains, and ensure the sustainability of its natural resources.

We recognize Dr. Ricardo Nieves' career as that of one of the voices that, for decades, has actively participated in the national debate on important environmental issues, including matters related to mining activities, the protection of the Central Mountain Range, Pico Duarte, watersheds, and other strategic ecosystems of the Dominican Republic.

The Hispano-American Press Congress, the World Press Congress, and the World Environmental Congress (COMMA) declare that they will remain vigilant regarding any situation that could compromise the integrity, safety, or free professional practice of Dr. Ricardo Nieves or of any journalist or environmental defender.

Our solidarity is not limited to a statement. It constitutes a permanent commitment to freedom, justice, the protection of natural heritage, and the defense of those who dedicate their lives to serving the common good.

History demonstrates that nations progress when they protect those who have the courage to denounce corruption, environmental destruction, and injustice. Remaining silent in the face of threats is tantamount to renouncing democracy; defending the truth is defending the Republic.

Today, we raise our voice from the Americas to affirm that press freedom cannot be intimidated, the defense of the environment cannot be criminalized, and the natural heritage of the Dominican Republic belongs to the Dominican people and to the generations yet unborn.

Accordingly, we demand:

That effective protection be guaranteed for Dr. Ricardo Nieves and for all journalists and environmental defenders who may find themselves at risk.
That every report of threats be investigated promptly, objectively, and impartially by the competent authorities.
That environmental laws be enforced rigorously, independently, and transparently, without distinctions of any kind.
That actions threatening ecosystems, protected areas, and the environmental heritage of the Dominican Republic cease.
That Dominican society remain united in defense of freedom of expression, democratic institutions, and the conservation of natural resources.

Because defending a river is defending life!!!Because protecting a mountain is preserving water for future generations!!!Because caring for a forest is guaranteeing the future of the nation!!!And because protecting those who raise their voices in defense of the public interest is protecting democracy itself!!!