Mexico

Mexico's alarming position among the bottom five of more than seventy countries for journalist safety reflects deep-rooted systemic failures and the persistent threats faced by those who inform the public. The country's disaggregated scores highlight the complexity of the problem: out of the 73 countries evaluated, Mexico ranks 69th in physical safety, 61st in psychological safety, 56th in digital safety, and 55th in financial safety.

This troubling reality stems from several intertwined factors that demand urgent attention. First, the pervasive impunity surrounding attacks on journalists act as a major driver of violence, particularly physical assaults. The chronic inability of the Mexican justice system to effectively investigate and prosecute threats or murders of journalists has created an environment in which such crimes are perceived as low risk. This lack of accountability encourages perpetrators, creating a vicious cycle in which physical attacks escalate there are few, if any, consequences. The message is clear: violence against the press rarely results in punishment. Second, precarious working conditions, especially in regional and local contexts, heighten journalists’ exposure to financial risk. Many are forced to take on multiple assignments or second jobs due to low pay and the absence of stable contracts. Unlike those in larger media organizations, they often lack institutional support or access to safety measures. These conditions lead to excessive workloads, chronic stress and inadequate compensation, resulting in severe mental health challenges that potentially impair judgment and increase risks. In addition, the fear of reprisal and threat of being silenced contribute to an atmosphere of self-censorship and withdrawal from high-risk reporting areas. These protective strategies give rise to so-called "silence zones" where critical information fails to reach the public. In areas dominated by authoritarian practices or criminal control, journalists are often isolated and left unprotected when allies in the press or civil society are absent. Finally, escalating political polarization and growing anti-press rhetoric, including from the president and ruling government, have added a dangerous dimension to the threats journalists face. Such discourse erodes public trust in the media and normalizes hostility towards journalists. One of the most pernicious effects is the proliferation of digital violence, including online harassment and hate speech, which increasingly affects journalists across all regions. These attacks are not confined to virtual spaces; they often precede or accompany physical aggression, blurring the boundaries between digital and real-world violence.

In conclusion, Mexico's troubling standing in the Global Index on Journalists’ Safety reflects a combination of unchecked impunity, precarious working conditions, and a toxic political and media environment fueled by political polarization and mistrust. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach: strengthening mechanisms to investigate and prosecute crimes against journalists, improving labour protections and institutional support, and confronting anti-media rhetoric and online violence head-on.