OSCE media freedom representative visits Lithuania, opens conference on propaganda and freedom of expression

VILNIUS, 2 February 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today discussed media freedom issues with Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius as part of a visit to Vilnius. She expressed her gratitude for the strong support her mandate has received from the country’s government over the past six years.

Earlier Mijatović spoke at a conference on Propaganda and freedom of expression, which was organized by the Lithuanian Union of Journalists, the Radio and Television Commission and the Ministry of Culture.

“The root causes of propaganda for war and hatred should be dealt with a broad set of policy measures, for example in the areas of international and intercultural dialogue, such as the dialogue among journalists, and promoting media education and democracy based on peace, freedom of expression, pluralism and diversity,” Mijatović said.

During the event she was awarded a medal of valour by the Lithuanian Union of Journalists for her advocacy in decriminalizing defamation.

Tomorrow Mijatović will meet Minister of Culture Šarūnas Birutis to discuss efforts to advance media literacy in the country.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. 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 www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.