OSCE media freedom representative launches global campaign to end impunity for crimes committed against journalists

VIENNA, 12 December 2013 – The scale of attacks on and harassment of members of the media continues to grow throughout the OSCE region, journalists are threatened every day for they say or write, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović said today.

“It is a trend that simply must be reversed. Journalists’ safety must be guaranteed at all times and we should use every tool we have to raise awareness of this issue,” Mijatović said.

Originally initiated by the Commission for the Investigation of Murders of Journalists in Serbia, the Representative has launched the global campaign, which includes a video in English, Russian and Serbian that will be promoted through both traditional and social media.

“This campaign focuses on the very heart of media freedom,” Mijatović said. “If journalists are not safe and free to write and to investigate in order to publish stories, freedom of expression and media freedom are at risk. Share and promote this video - it is imperative that we all stand up for journalism.”

The video is available at: http://www.youtube.com/oscerfom

When sharing on social media, please use the hashtags #EndImpunity #journosafe

For more on journalists’ safety, download the OSCE Safety of Journalists Guidebook (//www.osce.org/fom/85777) and the leaflet ‘Safety of journalists - why it matters’ (//www.osce.org/fom/101983)