OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media concludes visit to Malta

VIENNA, 14 November 2022 - OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro visited Malta from 9 to 11 November 2022 to discuss a broad array of media freedom issues with government authorities and civil society.

Ribeiro met with Prime Minister Robert Abela, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg, Minister for Justice Jonathan Attard, Chairman of the Committee of Experts on Media Judge Emeritus Michael Mallia and other members of the Committee of experts. Ribeiro also met with Head of Media Relations of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation Corinne Vella, with President of the Institute of Maltese Journalists Matthew Xuereb, and with other civil society members and journalists.   

In her meetings, Ribeiro discussed the status of implementing the recommendations of the Board of Public Inquiry into the circumstances of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination in 2017, including legislative measures for the protection of the media and journalists, and the work of the Committee of Experts on the Media that was established by the Maltese government.

“It is of the utmost importance to take a holistic and inclusive approach to create and strengthen mechanisms conducive to the legal and physical safety of media professionals. This includes the development of clear protocols in the area of safety of journalists with a three-pronged approach: to prevent, protect and prosecute,” Ribeiro said, reiterating the need to hold broad consultations with civil society and media to align the legislative amendments with international media freedom standards and best practices. The Maltese government agreed that resources would be made available for the organization of such a public consultation.

In discussing recent numerous appeals lodged by governmental agencies against a decision of the Maltese Information Commissioner who ruled in favour of requests by media, it was also agreed that a change within the administrative bureaucracy is needed regarding access to information. The culture should be changed to a prevailing orientation in which the disclosure of government information is the rule, Ribeiro and her interlocutors agreed.

When discussing the Maltese public broadcaster, the need to make it truly autonomous and independent from political interference was also recognized, including by establishing a transparent and competitive selection process of its governance board. A public broadcaster should offer space for open, democratic and pluralistic debate, taking in all voices of society, Ribeiro noted.

“I take positive note of the willingness expressed by Maltese authorities in providing unimpeded access to government-held information, promoting media pluralism, journalists’ safety and offering comprehensive legal tools countering amongst others the issue of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). A transparent roadmap with clearly defined timeframes for public consultations on a wide range of legislative issues will be an important enabler for Malta to adopt ambitious media reforms through an open and participatory process,” Ribeiro said.

Finally, on 11 November, Ribeiro participated in a panel discussion with youth from the Mediterranean region during the international conference “Young People and Information: It’s Complicated” organised by the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade together with 3CL Foundation.

“Promoting a free and independent media environment, including media diversity, is a principal standard of addressing disinformation,” the Representative said. She also highlighted the importance of continuing international dialogue on the issues of technology and media freedom based on a human rights and a multi-sectoral approach with the active involvement of youth.

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.