OSCE media freedom representative welcomes Dutch initiative to counter violence against journalists

VIENNA, 24 July 2018 - OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, welcomed today the recent agreement between the authorities and the media community in the Netherlands to counter threats and violence against journalists. The move comes against the background of the deteriorating safety climate for media workers.

A survey of Dutch journalists in 2017 showed that a majority have been the target of threats and abuse, both on and offline. In addition, some crime reporters in the Netherlands have been assigned police protection, after receiving a number of serious threats.  And, in June of this year, two violent attacks were carried out against the editorial offices of the daily newspaper De Telegraaf and weeklies Panorama and De Nieuwe Revu.

The agreement was reached between the national police, the public prosecutor’s office, the Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ) and the Dutch Society of Chief Editors. Its aim is to improve awareness raising among law enforcement services on the issue of safety of journalists and to offer training and concrete guidelines for law enforcement to better respond to threats against the media. The police and the public prosecutor have agreed to give priority to incidents concerning journalists.

The agreement extends to media outlets and employers who will provide training for journalists on safety and set up security plans in the event of an attack or threat. Journalists will contribute to the agreement by systematically reporting any security-related incidents and filing complaints with law-enforcement. Moreover, a ‘Violence Against Media’ application will be developed, offering practical guidelines and information for journalists confronted with threats and violence.

“Threats and violence against journalists are unacceptable in any democracy. This important initiative, agreed upon jointly by the Dutch law enforcement authorities and the media community, shows how constructive dialogue involving all stakeholders can lead to significant improvements for the entire community,” Désir stated. “I very much look forward to seeing similar initiatives in other OSCE participating States. In every part of the OSCE region, journalists must be free to work, without fear of violence or intimidation.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He 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