Mr. Chair,
Norway aligns with the statement of the 26 EU states. Allow me however to make the following remarks in my national capacity.
I welcome Ambassador Jan Braathu to the Permanent Council and thank him and his team also, who stepped in for our first report. Thank you for your comprehensive and sobering briefing.
Mr. chair,
The RFoMs mandate has not only proven its significance but has also become increasingly important over recent years, as the conditions for media freedom continue to deteriorate. While its foundation is rooted in the third dimension, the role of media freedom is undeniably crucial for the advancement and fortification of both the first and second dimensions of security as well. Mr. Chair, Freedom of expression and media freedom are essential foundations of a democratic society. Without free access to reliable information, there is simply no democracy.
As you pointed out, many journalists in particular female journalists within the OSCE region are exercising their essential function at great risk, including to their lives. The toll on journalists covering Russia’s war of aggression is a grim example. Attacks on journalists is often an early sign of a broader deterioration of the human rights situation. It is important to continue to speak out for free, independent and pluralistic media as they face increased challenges and threats.
Mr. Chair,
Impunity is the greatest obstacle to ensuring the safety of journalists. Every act of violence that goes uninvestigated and unpunished is an open invitation for further violence. We call on all participating States to take the necessary steps to implement the OSCE commitments on media freedom and the safety of journalists, as they are the cornerstones of our common security.
Mr, Chair.
While digital technologies have enhanced access to information and media freedom, the use of artificial intelligence strongly impacts the way we seek, receive, impart and access information. This constitutes a serious human rights challenge, not only for marginalized groups, but for each and every one of us. Therefore, transparency in the use of artificial intelligence and its implications must be increased. It is also important to continue to invest in quality education that promotes critical thinking and in programs to increase media literacy. And we must enhance international cooperation between governments, technology companies, civil society and independent media on mapping and countering disinformation.
Mr. chair,
Norway will later this year launch two new strategies of high importance. One national strategy for freedom of expression aiming at strengthening an open and informed public discourse, and one strategy to strengthen resilience against disinformation. Both strategies are part of the follow-up of the Freedom of Expression Commission.
In conclusion,
To ensure RFoMs continued function, we have a duty to provide a sufficient budget. I will once again call on us all to join forces in deciding on a robust unified budget.
Let me reiterate Norway’s strong support for your priorities as you presented today, and the importance of the mandate. It is imperative that the autonomy of the office is preserved and respected, for the Representative and his staff to be able to fulfill the mandate which has been decided by all participating States. We appreciate and value your close cooperation with ODIHR, the Council of Europe and United Nations agencies among others.
We thank you Jan for your visit to Norway in January, and look forward to continued close cooperation and wish you success in your important endeavours.
Thank you.