OSCE media freedom representative welcomes UN Human Rights Council’s resolution on journalists’ safety

VIENNA, 29 September 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović welcomed the UN Human Rights Council’s passing today of a resolution on the safety of journalists.  

The resolution, initiated by Austria together with France, Greece, Morocco, Brazil, Qatar and Tunisia, sets out a comprehensive approach to improve journalists’ safety, in particular with regard to ending impunity for attacks against journalists.

“This resolution is a very positive step forward in our joint efforts to ensure the safety for members of the media and the fight against impunity for crimes committed against journalists,” Mijatović said.

The resolution also addresses the issues of detained journalists, laws that are abused to obstruct journalists’ work, attacks on female journalists and the rights of journalists to protect confidential sources.

“All of these issues are instrumental in improving the safety conditions for journalists around the world,” Mijatović said. “I am particularly pleased that the issue of threats against female journalists is addressed; this has been a matter that my Office has been working intensively on for the past two years.” 

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 at www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.