No security without free media, says OSCE media freedom representative at digital freedom conference

Speaking at the conference “Freedom Online” in the Hague on 9 December 2011, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, emphasized the obligation of governments to ensure freedom of the Internet, including giving citizens unrestricted access to multiple sources of information.

"A secure Internet and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, including media freedom, online, are two sides of the same coin. There is no security without freedom," said Mijatović.

She added that alongside governments, the business community should see respect for human rights and freedom of expression as part of their corporate social responsibility.

The conference was organized and opened by Dutch Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal. Speakers included US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, EU Commissioner for Digital Agenda Nelee Kroes and Executive Chairman Google Eric Schmidt.