OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media meets with Ambassador of France
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Teresa Ribeiro, met today, 26 January 2021, with Ambassador Christine Fages to discuss the current state of media freedom and freedom of expression in France and in the broader OSCE region.
Referring to the recent legislative developments with a potentially high impact on media freedom and freedom of information in France, Ribeiro underlined the need for enabling journalists to freely document and report on all matters of public interest, including law-enforcement operations during rallies and demonstrations. She urged to take into consideration the legitimate concerns and recommendations of journalists and international media and human rights organizations and offered her support in bringing the newly proposed legal initiatives, including the draft law “On Reinforcing Republican Principles”, in conformity with OSCE standards. Recalling the 2018 OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on the Safety of Journalists, Ribeiro stressed the importance of ensuring favorable conditions for the media, allowing them to successfully carry out their fundamental role in society.
Ribeiro welcomed the assurances of the French authorities that undue limitations on media freedom in the draft law “On Comprehensive Security” have been lifted and that the draft law will be resubmitted to the Senate.
Ribeiro and Fages also discussed the impact of artificial intelligence and other automated systems on the freedom of expression, the disturbing trend of online violence against female journalists, the need to face challenges related to disinformation, as well as issues related to the safety of journalists in the OSCE region. They expressed their readiness for open dialogue and collaboration in protecting and promoting media freedom and freedom of expression, including through enhanced cooperation with civil society.