OSCE Office in Tajikistan supports World Press Freedom Day conference

The challenges and prospects for the freedoms of expression and of the media were the focus of a World Press Freedom Day conference organized by the Tajik Media Council and other media associations, and supported by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan and international media donors on 3 May 2016 in Dushanbe.

Some 80 journalists, government officials, civil society activists and diplomatic representatives discussed the freedom of expression and freedom of the media in Tajikistan. The conference started off with a moment of silence in memory of Tajik activists and journalists who have died over the years while defending the freedom of expression.

Participants analysed major media issues such as the access to information, professional journalism in a challenging environment, the role of the media in strengthening democracy, new media and its potential contribution to pluralism, the national ‘blogosphere’, citizen journalism, ethical practices, globalization and restrictions on media freedom as a contributing factor to weaker information security.

“The freedom of the media is a critical element in the political and economic development of a country. It contributes to an economic climate that is attractive and secure,” said Scott Kearin, Head of the Human Dimension at the OSCE Office.

Chairperson of the Tajik Media Council Khurshed Niyozov emphasized the importance of a dialogue between the government and independent media, adding: “The Tajik press nowadays experiences tremendous difficulties being under pressure both from the economic crisis and administrative and political pressure, which has caused a decrease in the level of freedom of expression.”

A similar conference with more than 60 regional representatives from the media, authorities and civil society was held in Khujand on 5 May 2016.