Threats to media freedom and the work of journalists are on the rise. It is the responsibility of States to ensure better protection for journalistic work, to combat impunity of crimes committed against journalists, to respect the independence of the press and freedom of expression, and to support pluralism and not to stifle it.

Media representatives can follow the opening of the conference on 6 July, Monday, from 10:00 to 12:00, via Zoom.

They recalled the OSCE’s commitments – grounded in shared principles – as a success of multilateralism, and a foundation of the international system upon which security still depends.

There is no excuse for the deliberate destruction of OSCE equipment.

Vuk Žugić, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities: Possibly a major difference between the current pandemic and climate change is the pace at which they develop: COVID 19 has hit the world suddenly, whereas climate change has been happening gradually.

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media: Let journalists do their job unhindered, ensure them access to information and support those media that are financially struggling because of the pandemic.

Opening Ukraine’s Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation, Minister Kuleba said steps need to be taken to rebuild trust and stability in the OSCE region.

The Permanent Council is essential to maintaining political dialogue between OSCE participating States and steering the important day-to-day work of our Organization in Vienna and throughout our region.

Protecting people’s lives is the top priority.

It is only through the strength of our diversity that we will overcome the health crisis we are facing as well as the economic and social challenges likely to follow, said Gísladóttir.

The award of 50,000 euros recognizes extraordinary and outstanding achievements in improving the position of national minorities in the OSCE participating States.

The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and ODIHR said that longstanding neglect of Roma that is now leaving them highly vulnerable as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the globe.

ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir: In the current situation, intolerance and discrimination are not only unacceptable but also counterproductive.

Rama and Lavrov discussed number of key issues that affect security in the OSCE region on what was Rama’s first official visit to Moscow as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.