Media freedom and freedom of expression are not a luxury. They are democratic necessities. Independent journalists’ ability to investigate, report on and question those in power are essential pillars of any democratic society. As is the ability for any citizen to speak out without fear of retaliation.
Today, however, we continue to witness a troubling decline in media freedom and journalist safety across the OSCE region, driven by censorship, political interference and pressure against journalists.
Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has created an increasingly hostile environment for media professionals. Journalists reporting from the frontlines risk their lives every day, while media workers in temporarily occupied territories face intimidation and detention. Threats to media freedom are not limited to imprisonment or physical violence. A climate of intimidation can be equally damaging when it leads journalists to self-censorship and silence. Independent journalists and media actors in Russia continue to face severe restrictions for reporting on issues of public interest, including human rights violations and political repression. This is unacceptable. Journalism is not a crime, and those who seek to silence journalists must be held accountable.
Ensuring accountability for crimes committed against journalists is essential, not only for the victims themselves, but also for protecting media freedom and the public's right to information. Every act of violence that goes uninvestigated and unpunished creates conditions for further violations.
In this context, the mandate of the Representative on Freedom of the Media remains indispensable. The Representative's role in providing early warning, responding to serious violations of OSCE commitments and assisting participating States in strengthening media legislation and practice is more important than ever.
We call on all participating States to fully implement their OSCE commitments and to take concrete steps to protect journalists, combat impunity and ensure an enabling environment for free and independent media and free speech.
In this regard, Norway is deeply concerned about States exerting pressure on civil society for engaging with the OSCE, as also observed during the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference. Having all signed up to the OSCE commitments, it is unacceptable to intimidate those speaking up to protect human rights in the OSCE region.
Thank you.