For nearly two decades, I have focused my work on building an ecosystem in which independent journalism can survive and fulfil its essential democratic role: holding those in power accountable, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and fostering an informed and engaged citizenry. As the founder and director of Fundamedios, I have come to understand that a journalist’s responsibility extends beyond reporting. We are also active defenders of the fundamental right to seek, receive, and share information. In authoritarian environments or contexts plagued by organized crime – such as the current situation in Ecuador – this means resisting repression, protecting journalists, supporting victims, and coordinating civil society responses. Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of all human rights. Its defense is ultimately a defense of democracy itself.

I grew up in a country where being a journalist meant putting your life at risk – even within a democratic system. I have witnessed colleagues being forced into exile, and I have stood beside the families of murdered journalists in their grief. During Rafael Correa’s presidency, I was systematically targeted for exposing government abuses. That experience convinced me that writing opinion pieces was not enough – we needed to organize and take collective action. I founded Fundamedios because I understood that rights do not defend themselves; they require active protection. My conviction has also shaped my path. I believe that journalism is a form of public service. As Ryszard Kapuściński said, “To be a good journalist, you must first be a good person.” I have always tried to live by that principle.

We are living through a paradox. While some countries have repealed repressive legislation, such as Ecuador’s former “Gag Law,” new and severe threats have emerged. These include the rise of organized crime, increasing precarity and vulnerability in journalistic work, and growing political polarization that stigmatizes critical media voices. Across the Andean region, we are witnessing the alarming entrenchment of authoritarian regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba – regimes sustained by repression and electoral fraud. Authoritarian tendencies are also advancing in countries such as Peru, El Salvador, Colombia, and Paraguay, while Bolivia, Ecuador, and others have experienced serious democratic setbacks. At the same time, disinformation is being systematically weaponized as a tool for political manipulation and social control. In response, civil society must adapt to an increasingly volatile and dangerous environment. This has required a multifaceted approach combining public denunciation with protection mechanisms, promoting media literacy, and building resilient networks of regional solidarity.

There is an urgent need for a comprehensive public protection policy that incorporates emergency response protocols, preventive mechanisms, psychosocial support, and judicial safeguards to combat impunity effectively. It is equally important to reform legal frameworks that criminalize protest or the dissemination of critical information. At Fundamedios, we have actively promoted cooperation agreements with the national police, monitored attacks against the press, managed emergency assistance funds, and provided both legal and psychological support to journalists at risk. On a personal level, I have spoken out publicly in high-risk cases, led regional initiatives such as the Voces del Sur network, and defended persecuted colleagues, including before international human rights bodies. This work is not just a professional commitment – it is a deeply ethical obligation.

I am inspired by the everyday resilience of journalists working in the provinces, by community media outlets that continue despite scarce resources, and by young people who believe in truth as a catalyst for change. I also find hope in our growing ability to build transnational solidarity and foster a sense of community in the face of adversity. I believe the future of journalism lies in developing new models of organization and sustainability, while also reconnecting with audiences through honesty, empathy, and a renewed sense of purpose. Civil society, for its part, must reclaim its role as a guardian of fundamental rights. We are not passive observers – we are active participants in the ongoing struggle for democracy.

Their role must be genuinely supportive, not merely symbolic. Public statements of concern are important, but they must be matched with concrete actions such as sustained diplomatic pressure, flexible funding, increased international visibility, and effective protection mechanisms. International human rights bodies must be strengthened to respond swiftly and decisively in times of heightened risk. Independent media outlets abroad should actively collaborate with local journalists, helping to amplify their stories and safeguard their lives. Most importantly, the international community must not view us solely as recipients of solidarity, but as partners in a shared and urgent struggle to uphold democratic values and fundamental freedoms.