Stronger free and pluralistic media and comprehensive security mutually beneficial, Chair of OSCE Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting concludes
VIENNA, 3 November 2017 – The relationship between the media and security across the OSCE region and how it could be enhanced to the benefit of both the free media and security interests was the focus of the OSCE Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting 2017, which concludes in Vienna today.
“The interest of security and the right of freedom of expression can become mutually reinforcing. Freedom of expression is too often being pitched against legitimate security concerns, and we are faced with the misconception that freedom of expression and the interest of security are on opposing sides – that curtailing free speech and free media would serve security interests. Our societies are strong enough to withstand hatred and terror, without excessive measures against free speech or free and independent media,” said Clemens Koja, Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council.
“The OSCE is the first organization that has included freedom of the media in its broad concept of security. The two concepts shouldn't be opposed. I see how some governments increasingly attempt to use national security as a pretext to suppress voices of dissent. The measures vary from repressive rules on establishing and running media outlets, to direct interference such as denying accreditation to certain journalists or politically-motivated prosecutions of journalists. Everyone understands the efforts of governments to combat terrorism, but any restrictions that may go along with that fight must be in accordance with international law, strictly necessary and proportionate,” said OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir, pointing also at restrictive consequences of overly broad surveillance efforts and vague definitions of terrorism in legislation: “It is my duty to alert the authorities when anti-terrorism laws, adopted in an effort to increase national security, are overbroad and include vague terms,” he said.
Government officials from OSCE participating States, along with representatives of civil society and international organizations gathered during two days to discuss the relationship between the media and security, including how States should promote and protect free and pluralistic media in their contribution to comprehensive security in the OSCE region.
“All over the world, we are now faced with the very disturbing phenomena of increasingly intolerant public attitudes and hate speech, which are also embraced by some mainstream politicians, resulting in growing xenophobic populist discourse," said Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. "If left unchecked, these phenomena can create and deepen wedges in society and undermine security, increasing the risk of conflict. But a plurality of strong, independent, fact-based media voices can counter disinformation, intolerance and incitement to violence.” The meeting was organized by the Austrian OSCE Chairmanship, the OSCE Representative on the Freedom of Media and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He/she provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on facebook.com/osce.rfom.