VIENNA, 13 March 2023 – Freedom of expression as well as the freedom for media to operate independently are key pillars of a genuine democracy, OSCE leaders said during a two-day Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting in Vienna.

Some 240 people from across the OSCE region registered for the meeting in Vienna, which will discuss the role of media freedom as a central pillar of comprehensive security. Organized by the OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the event brings together representatives of OSCE states, international organizations, civil society, and the media. Participants will focus on the interconnection between the media, democracy, and security across the OSCE region, especially in times of conflict and crisis, and discuss ways of strengthening this relationship.

“Media freedom is a direct indicator of the civilizational progress of society and represents a critical segment of any democratic society. In the contexts where freedom of expression is not valued and press freedom is threatened, our democracy is threatened, too. Hence, we will continue to strive to promote and support activities that counter any violations of free expression, including programs aiming at safer environment for journalists. And finally, what represents an utmost necessity is the confirmation of our collective political determination that created, supported and reinforced the RFoM mandate throughout the past, while mobilizing all of our resources to maintain, advocate and advance the media freedoms, stipulated in the broader set of OSCE security commitments,” emphasized Ambassador Igor Djundev on behalf of the Chair.

Free and independent media are one of the cornerstones of democratic societies, and they have never been more important to navigate the current security challenges facing the OSCE region. Participants will begin by discussing the significance of media freedom for common security. The second session will highlight the role of free media across all three pillars of the OSCE’s comprehensive security framework, encompassing the political and military, the economic and environmental, and human rights principles. Finally, there will be a discussion of the interlinkage between democracy and media freedom, and the need to ensure the safety of journalists as a precondition for safeguarding democracy.

“It is clear that the OSCE region is going through a particularly difficult time, with its common security challenged also by a growing disregard for democratic values across many parts of the region,” said OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, “Independent media have a crucial role in upholding and restoring democracy, peace and security, and there can therefore be no security without media freedom. To ensure media freedom throughout the OSCE region, we need unity, courage and above all, political will. It is in the interest of us all to be safe and fully enjoy our human rights.

An enabling environment for free media is not only essential for ensuring media pluralism, but also to develop and sustain inclusive and robust democratic societies. OSCE countries have made numerous commitments to ensuring freedom of expression, freedom of information and freedom of the media, including access to media and information. They have also recognised that independent media and freedom of expression are vital for stable and peaceful societies.

“Media freedom, as all other fundamental freedoms and human rights, is a founding block of peace and long-term security,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “A lack of respect for media freedom has a negative impact on the rights of every individual, and ultimately on the stability of our societies. When we look at the critical role media play during elections as well as the work of human rights defenders, we see clearly that free and independent media are vital for overall trust in democratic institutions.”

Supplementary Human Dimension Meetings are a platform for the OSCE’s participating States and OSCE institutions, as well as international organizations and civil society, to exchange views and good practices in order to find common solutions for the challenges facing societies across the OSCE region. Today’s discussion is the first SHDM of 2023, with two more planned for this year.