The Declaration of Chapultepec was drafted at a conference on free speech in Mexico City in March, 1994 and sets out ten principles to ensure freedom of the press.

It has been ratified by 43 presidents, three of them as candidates, from 24 countries.

The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) started the project to recognise the growing global awareness of citizens' rights toward the end of the last millennium. The preamble to the declaration states that, without democracy and freedom, individual and social life is stunted; and that freedom belongs to the citizens, not to government.

It says a free society can thrive only through free expression and the exchange of ideas, the search for and the sharing of information and the ability to investigate and question, agree and disagree, converse and confront, publish and broadcast.

"Only by exercising these principles will it be possible to guarantee individuals and groups their right to receive impartial and timely information," states the preamble.

It says the media must function unhindered and determine its own direction and manner of serving the public; if this freedom is curtailed, other freedoms in society also vanish.

The preamble states: "After a period when attempts were made to legitimise government control over news outlets, it is gratifying to be able to work together to defend freedom ... but opposition remains widespread.

"There are still countries whose despotic governments abjure every freedom, particularly those freedoms related to expression. Criminals, terrorists and drug traffickers still threaten, attack and murder journalists.

"But that is not the only way to harm a free press and free expression. The temptation to control and regulate has led to decisions that limit the independent action of the media, of journalists and of citizens who wish to seek and disseminate information and opinions.

"Politicians who avow their faith in democracy are often intolerant of public criticism. Various social sectors assign to the press non-existent flaws. Judges with limited vision order journalists to reveal sources that should remain in confidence. Overzealous officials deny citizens access to public information."

It also champions a press that is responsible, involved and aware of the obligations that the practice of freedom entails.

IAPA's website states: "Simply put, the Declaration of Chapultepec is based on the idea that no law or act of government may limit freedom of expression or the press, whatever the medium."