Newsroom
Press Freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina: much accomplished, more is needed
SARAJEVO 3 May 2001
SARAJEVO, 3 May 2001 - On the 10th anniversary of the World Press Freedom Day, and the first anniversary of the FreeMedia Helpline, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, views the media situation in BiH as improving but not secure in the protection of basic right to obtain and impart information.
The OSCE also takes this opportunity to re-emphasize that a free media is one of the most fundamental components of a democratic society, for without a free and responsible media, democracy can not thrive.
"There is no doubt that press freedom is better in BiH that it was three years ago, or even one year ago. But, as we can see from other countries, press freedom is fragile and can be lost if we are not vigilant and firm in our resolve to protect these freedoms," stated OSCE Acting Head of Mission, Ambassador Dieter Woltmann. "Much has been accomplished - the drafting of solid media laws, the establishment of a Press Council, effective operation of a media Ombudsmen and the Free Media Helpline, to name a few - but more is needed. Local governments have to adopt these laws, corruption, including corruption in the media, needs to be combatted, and an impartial and skilled judiciary is needed to rule on cases of violation of press freedoms."
In the 10 years since the inauguration of World Press Freedom Day, BiH has experienced a war that was in large measure made possible by the control and domination of the media by nationalists. Present day BiH is witnessing a resurgence in the struggle of nationalists to gain control of media once again. While this time the aim is not to manufacture war, but rather to continue the economic and political dominance of nationalist parties, the end result of media control is the same. Democracy for all is sacrificed for the reign of the few.
On this World Press Freedom Day, OSCE congratulates all those who have participated in the real progress made in BiH to strengthen freedom of expression. BiH leads the way in the region in this regard, and can set an example if it maintains a vigorous and uncompromising stand on the protection of journalists' rights and media freedoms. This is especially important now, as BiH weathers its most stressful political storm since the end of the war in 1995.
The OSCE established its present Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 December 1995. In accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP), the OSCE Mission activities are to: promote Democratization and the building of a vibrant civil society, foster the development of professional journalism and monitor the rights of journalists, monitor and advance the Human Rights situation, supervise the conduct of Elections, and encourage Regional Stabilization through arms control and confidence and security-building measures. The OSCE Mission continues to work closely with other international organizations and local institutions to implement the Dayton Peace Accords.
For more information, please contact Luke Zahner, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, tel.: (++387/33) 292-449.
The OSCE also takes this opportunity to re-emphasize that a free media is one of the most fundamental components of a democratic society, for without a free and responsible media, democracy can not thrive.
"There is no doubt that press freedom is better in BiH that it was three years ago, or even one year ago. But, as we can see from other countries, press freedom is fragile and can be lost if we are not vigilant and firm in our resolve to protect these freedoms," stated OSCE Acting Head of Mission, Ambassador Dieter Woltmann. "Much has been accomplished - the drafting of solid media laws, the establishment of a Press Council, effective operation of a media Ombudsmen and the Free Media Helpline, to name a few - but more is needed. Local governments have to adopt these laws, corruption, including corruption in the media, needs to be combatted, and an impartial and skilled judiciary is needed to rule on cases of violation of press freedoms."
In the 10 years since the inauguration of World Press Freedom Day, BiH has experienced a war that was in large measure made possible by the control and domination of the media by nationalists. Present day BiH is witnessing a resurgence in the struggle of nationalists to gain control of media once again. While this time the aim is not to manufacture war, but rather to continue the economic and political dominance of nationalist parties, the end result of media control is the same. Democracy for all is sacrificed for the reign of the few.
On this World Press Freedom Day, OSCE congratulates all those who have participated in the real progress made in BiH to strengthen freedom of expression. BiH leads the way in the region in this regard, and can set an example if it maintains a vigorous and uncompromising stand on the protection of journalists' rights and media freedoms. This is especially important now, as BiH weathers its most stressful political storm since the end of the war in 1995.
The OSCE established its present Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 December 1995. In accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP), the OSCE Mission activities are to: promote Democratization and the building of a vibrant civil society, foster the development of professional journalism and monitor the rights of journalists, monitor and advance the Human Rights situation, supervise the conduct of Elections, and encourage Regional Stabilization through arms control and confidence and security-building measures. The OSCE Mission continues to work closely with other international organizations and local institutions to implement the Dayton Peace Accords.
For more information, please contact Luke Zahner, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, tel.: (++387/33) 292-449.