Organization for Security and Co-operation in EuropeOSCE Centre in Astana
Activities
Media development
The Centre in Astana promotes the independence and freedom of the media in Kazakhstan and follows developments in this field. It co-operates with the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media on addressing infringements of the freedom of media and expression, as well as on problems encountered by journalists in the course of their work.
Improving media legislation
The Centre is an active player in the process of improving media legislation in the country. It facilitates the provision of legal expertise from Representative on Freedom of the Media to the state authorities on the matter. It also co-operates with the local media community and civil society experts to promote wider public discussion of media legislation reform. A series of workshops aimed at discussion and elaboration of amendments to the current media law is being organized with the participation of local journalists, non-governmental organizations, legal and media experts, and representatives of the state structures.
Professional development and access to information
The Centre is involved in activities aimed at increasing the professional skills of Kazakhstani journalists and promoting dialogue with the authorities and civil society. It has held training courses for journalists on various topics, including the basics of journalism, as well as economic and environmental issues, human rights, the ethics of covering terrorism, investigative journalism techniques and the use of the Internet. The Centre has also supported a number of publications for journalists on international standards and journalism practices, national legislative provisions, and dealing with press officers and non-governmental organizations.
To increase access to information for journalists, the Centre has helped to set up Internet cafes for media professionals in Astana, Kostanai, Pavlodar and Taras. In all these cities, the Centre has organized special training courses on the use of Internet as a research resource for local journalists and journalism students.
