Protection of journalists from violence

Abstract:

The aim of this paper is to draw attention to the critical problems journalists face in their work – and to the responsibilities that we, officials of international organisations, have to demand of the authorities, to ensure that journalists can work safely. Attempts to intimidate journalists are unfortunately very common.

During the last five years close to 30 journalists were killed in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) region – and that number issurpassed exponentially by those who were beaten or whose lives were threatened.

Safety of the media is a precondition for free media. Without safe working conditions, journalists cannot write freely. To defend the very important human rights of free media and free expression, authorities and organisations on all levels need to combine their efforts.