OSCE media freedom representative launches guide on access to information on World Press Freedom Day

BERLIN, 3 May 2010 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, launched a guide for journalists on how to access government information today, marking World Press Freedom Day.

"The Legal Leaks Toolkit" was prepared by the non-governmental organizations Access Info Europe and Network for Reporting on Eastern Europe n-ost with financial support from the OSCE Representative's office.

"Promoting a culture of access to information on an international level is an effective method to increase government transparency, while raising awareness and promoting investigative journalism. I will ensure that access to information remains high on the intergovernmental agenda and keep reminding the governments of the OSCE participating States of its importance," Mijatovic said.

The guide informs about the rules of access, appeal procedures and other important aspects of access to information in the 45 OSCE participating States that have access to information laws.

Marking the first World Press Freedom Day since she was appointed the OSCE Representative in March 2010, Mijatovic said that she would spare no effort to defend media freedom.

"To fulfil my Mandate as the only intergovernmental media watchdog, I will not hesitate to knock on governments' doors to remind them of their OSCE media freedom commitments. I look forward to an open and constructive dialogue with the 56 OSCE participating States and I call on all governments to ensure that violence and legal harassment against media are effectively prevented. In addition, authorities must refrain from any forms of censorship," said Mijatovic.