Discussion on Freedom of Expression for Tolerance and Non-Discrimination

The Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media will host a one-day conference which bears the title Freedom of Expression for Tolerance and Non-Discrimination, aimed to improve awareness and understanding of the relationship between freedom of expression and tolerance and non-discrimination, and to stimulate a debate on this issue among the participating States of the OSCE.

International experts, academia, representatives of OSCE participating States, and OSCE Institutions will participate in the event which will provide a forum for discussions, analyses, sharing of good practices regarding the balance and correlation of protecting both freedom of expression and promoting tolerance and non-discrimination.

The event will focus on two main and broad topics.

The morning panel will focus on freedom of expression and freedom of religion, thought and belief in an open and interconnected world. The session will recall the existing international standards and case law, and examine the role of diplomacy and international organizations in the protection and conciliation of such rights, particularly in times of crisis.

The afternoon panel will discuss the promotion of tolerance and non-discrimination through media policies by looking at the role of media laws and public service media in promoting tolerant societies. The panel discussion also aims to analyse good practices of the use of the media sphere in order to foster the free dissemination and discussion of different religious and philosophical discourses.

The main aims of the discussions are to involve participating States in the understanding of the complex interaction between freedom of the media and freedom of religion and belief in our current times as well as the promotion of good practices vis-à-vis policies aimed at fostering tolerance and non-discrimination at the national level.

For substantive issues and administrative queries, please contact Ulrike Schmidt.