OSCE media freedom representative expresses concern about access to information law amendments in Bosnia and Herzegovina

MINSK, 4 June 2013 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, today expressed concern that draft amendments to the Law on Freedom of Access to Information of Bosnia and Herzegovina would curtail access to information.

“These amendments could severely restrict access to information in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Several provisions being put forward are not in line with international standards on access to information laws,” Mijatović said, reiterating her message delivered in a letter today to the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Mijatović pointed to article 8.2 in the draft amendments as an article of particular concern. The article, which in effect removes significant quantities of information from the public domain, runs directly counter to international standards in multiple ways.

Her remarks came following the publication of a legal analysis of the draft amendments commissioned by Mijatović’s office and prepared by Helen Darbishire, executive director of Access Info Europe and an international expert on access to information law. Ms Darbishire was also a member of the committee that drafted the country’s original Law on Freedom of Access to Information.

“I hope that the recommendations in this analysis will assist in bringing the law in line with the country’s OSCE commitments and international standards on freedom of information,” Mijatović said.

The Representative also welcomed the actions taken so far by non-governmental organizations and civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage in public consultations on the draft law. She expressed hope that their concerns and recommendations would be taken into consideration.

Mijatović is in Minsk on an official visit.

The full text of the legal review is available at osce.org/fom/102256