Young journalists from Russia and Ukraine visit Sarajevo as part of OSCE dialogue on media in conflict situations
VIENNA, 28 October 2016 – Young journalists from the Russian Federation and Ukraine today concluded a week-long workshop on post-conflict reconciliation in Sarajevo designed to give media experience in dealing with consequences from conflict.
The visit, organized by the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, the Russian Union of Journalists, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine and Mediacentar Sarajevo, is part of an on-going dialogue between the media communities of the two countries, held under the auspices of the Representative’s Office. Three young journalists from each country attended.
The journalists met with reporters, writers, artists and academics to get a deeper understanding of post-conflict reconciliation and produced multimedia materials as a result of the workshop.
“These young people represent the next generation of journalists in Russia and Ukraine,” said Dunja Mijatović, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. “Bringing in their perspective is truly beneficial to the discussions on journalism ethics we started in May 2014.”
“This was a great opportunity to establish new contacts and work with colleagues,” said Rita Karpenko, a reporter with the National Television Company of Ukraine in Kramatorsk. “It helped us find common ground for future activities.”
Her views were shared by television anchorwoman Anna Shkliarova of Saint Petersburg.
“These projects help to understand that most people of every nationality or religion want one simple thing: to live in peace and without conflicts; and that mass media should not promote hatred, nationalistic favoritism or fuel conflicts,” she said.
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.