OSCE Ministerial Decision on Safety of Journalists is a major step forward, says OSCE media freedom representative

MILAN, 7 December 2018 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, welcomes today’s adoption of a decision on the safety of journalists by all 57 participating States at the 2018 OSCE Ministerial Council in Milan.

“At a time when journalists are attacked, threatened and killed for their work, this is a major step forward and a strong signal of support to all journalists exposed to difficult and often dangerous conditions in the OSCE region,” said Désir.

The decision, which recognizes “that the work of journalists can put them, and their family members, at risk of violence, as well as of intimidation and harassment”, calls on the participating States to “take effective measures to end impunity for crimes committed against journalists”.

It also urges “political leaders, public officials and/or authorities to refrain from intimidating, threatening or condoning – and to unequivocally condemn – violence against journalists”.

Désir underlined that the decision is timely and necessary, and strongly reaffirms that “independent media are essential to a free and open society and accountable systems of government”.

The decision also acknowledges the need to “refrain from arbitrary or unlawful interference with journalists’ use of encryption and anonymity technologies and refrain from employing unlawful or arbitrary surveillance techniques.”

Désir highlighted that the decision urges for “the immediate and unconditional release of all journalists who have been arbitrarily arrested or detained, taken hostage or who have become victims of enforced disappearance”.

It recognizes “the importance of investigative journalism…, including in holding public institutions and officials accountable” and “the crucial role of journalists in covering elections”.

It calls on the participating States to “condemn publicly and unequivocally attacks on women journalists in relation to their work, such as sexual harassment, abuse, intimidation, threats and violence, including through digital technologies”.

“This is a clear demand to ensure safety of female journalists online, which is one of my main priorities,” said Désir. "This decision is a result of strong engagement by all 57 OSCE participating States today in Milan. I look forward to working with all governments to ensure effective implementation of this landmark decision adopted today."