Statement by the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on World Press Freedom Day

Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, made the following statement to mark World Press Freedom Day:

“On World Press Freedom Day, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina acknowledges the committed and courageous efforts of BiH journalists to keep us informed on a daily basis, especially during times of crisis.   Journalists play a vital role in informing citizens on critical issues ranging from public health, economic development, governance, election processes, corruption, conflict and human rights.   Investigative journalism, in particular, helps hold powerful individuals and institutions to account in the interests of protecting and strengthening democratic societies.  Indeed, freedom of the press is not just important to democracy, it is democracy.  

Unfortunately, our monitoring shows that journalists in BiH are being targeted more often by threats, physical and cyber attacks, as well as on-line smear campaigns.  They also face economic pressures, as many in BiH work without a contract, without rights to social and health benefits. 

We call upon authorities to enable a free and safe working environment for all journalists.  We welcome initiatives aimed at improving the training, status and safety of journalists.  In particular, we welcome the recent proposal to amend the BiH criminal code to enable better legal protection of journalists, as well as the decision by Canton Sarajevo to designate a special point of contact in the prosecutor’s office for journalists.

Happy World Press Freedom Day, and thank you to all journalists and media workers for your service to the citizens of BiH!”