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OSCE helps train public affairs officers in Bosnia and Herzegovina
BANJA LUKA 20 September 2001
BANJA LUKA, 20 September 2001 (OSCE) - Increased transparency of governmental work and improvement of the communication between government, media and citizens is the main subject of a four-day workshop that began on 17 September in Banja Luka. The workshop was organized by the Government of the Republika Srpska, with the support of the United Kingdom Civil Service College and OSCE, for representatives of the Republika Srpska Bureau for Public Relations and twelve of the Republika Srpska Ministries. The project is funded by the United Kingdom Department of International Development.
An important part of the workshop is the preparation for the implementation of the Law on Freedom of Access to Information, drafted by OSCE, the Office of the High Representative, local and international experts. This law establishes the right of citizens to have access to information held by public authorities. Additionally, an aim of this training is to develop sound and effective capacities within government institutions to communicate on a regular basis with the public.
The Law on Freedom of Access to Information is one means for the public to acquire information about the government, but public affairs offices are the more regular and effective means to keep citizens informed about the issues, activities, and priorities of their government. As part of their preparation for their future roles the public affairs officers visited local radio and television outlets, where they were introduced to radio and TV interview techniques.
Tim Hunt, an associate expert of the College, which is part of the UK Government Cabinet Office has stated: 'Frankly, I am impressed with the commitment of the Ministries' public affairs officers to the openness of the work of the Government and public authority. Hopefully we will now see an improvement in the amount and quality of information available to the citizens of Republika Srpska".
Through additional assistance, OSCE will continue to educate public affairs officers in the best practices of informing the public on government activities and with the capacity to serve any democratically elected government. This will ensure that the government is brought nearer to the people and assist with the democratization process.
For further information, please contact the OSCE Press officer in Banja Luka, Mr. Pearse McCorley, 051 310 274, mobile 066 512 747.
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.
An important part of the workshop is the preparation for the implementation of the Law on Freedom of Access to Information, drafted by OSCE, the Office of the High Representative, local and international experts. This law establishes the right of citizens to have access to information held by public authorities. Additionally, an aim of this training is to develop sound and effective capacities within government institutions to communicate on a regular basis with the public.
The Law on Freedom of Access to Information is one means for the public to acquire information about the government, but public affairs offices are the more regular and effective means to keep citizens informed about the issues, activities, and priorities of their government. As part of their preparation for their future roles the public affairs officers visited local radio and television outlets, where they were introduced to radio and TV interview techniques.
Tim Hunt, an associate expert of the College, which is part of the UK Government Cabinet Office has stated: 'Frankly, I am impressed with the commitment of the Ministries' public affairs officers to the openness of the work of the Government and public authority. Hopefully we will now see an improvement in the amount and quality of information available to the citizens of Republika Srpska".
Through additional assistance, OSCE will continue to educate public affairs officers in the best practices of informing the public on government activities and with the capacity to serve any democratically elected government. This will ensure that the government is brought nearer to the people and assist with the democratization process.
For further information, please contact the OSCE Press officer in Banja Luka, Mr. Pearse McCorley, 051 310 274, mobile 066 512 747.
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.