OSCE Office holds workshops for journalists on freedom of religion and expression in Armenia

National legislation on freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, as well as OSCE and international human rights standards in the field are the topics of a three-day workshop for Armenian journalists held from 19 to 21 July 2012. It is organized by the non-governmental organization Collaboration for Democracy Centre with the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

The workshop aims to promote accurate media reporting by increasing journalists’ knowledge of the national legislative framework, professional ethics and international standards related to freedom of expression and the freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and can help media representatives effectively address challenges of a legal nature in their work.

Twenty media practitioners and journalism students will analyze a number of the European Court of Human Rights’ cases, and familiarize themselves with the mandate and relevant advisory opinions of the Information Disputes Council - an extra-judicial independent body in Armenia established in 2011 in response to a significant increase in the number of defamation court cases against the media. The workshops are run by legal experts as well as experts in journalism and the history of religions.

The workshop follows similar events held last year. Another such workshop for journalists will be held from 2 to 4 August 2012.