Global freedom of expression rapporteurs condemn violence against journalists, urge self-regulation

VIENNA, 20 December 2006 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, said today that violence against journalists should never go unpunished.

Commenting on a joint declaration he signed together with the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, the OAS Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Haraszti said: "Those who commit violence against journalists must not be allowed to do so with impunity."

"It is a basic OSCE principle that acts of violence and intimidation against media professionals must be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the rule of law and the perpetrators must be brought to justice," he added.

The OSCE Representative also said that the principles and recommendations laid out in the declaration reinforced a number of OSCE commitments to promote a free, independent and pluralistic media.

"The declaration recognizes the role played by self-regulatory bodies in fostering inter-cultural dialogue. It also demands strong governmental measures against intimidation and violence threatening journalists. On both accounts we have lived through difficult moments in the year 2006," said Haraszti.

"Although journalists and others should never be punished for publishing controversial statements which may offend cultural, religious, or other sensitivities, media professionals do have high responsibilities in this field. In democratic countries, cases of media-induced social tension must be resolved through self-regulatory mechanisms, including press councils, ombudspersons, and professional codes of ethics. Such instruments need constant updating and upgrading to cope with changing moral, ethical and cultural patterns," said Haraszti.

The joint declaration also called on national and international public bodies to provide access to information, subject only to limited exceptions. The document reaffirms the right of journalists to protect their sources.

The joint declaration was signed by:

- The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Ambeyi Ligabo
- The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti
- The Organization of American States Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Ignacio J. Alvarez
- The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Faith Pansy Tlakula.

The full text of the joint declaration is available on this page under "Documents".