Free media and Internet vital for ensuring security, says OSCE media freedom representative to participating States

Dunja Mijatović, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, in a report of her Office’s work to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on 29 March 2012, highlighted the important role of safeguarding free media and free Internet while ensuring security.

Mijatović underlined that security matters and human rights, including media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information, are interdependent, intertwined and interrelated. “We should be thinking of new ways to connect and bring closer human rights and security in the 21st century,” she stressed.

“Freedom of expression and media are important principles essential for fostering a meaningful debate on security issues, and can help us effectively address new challenges,” Mijatovic said. “In devising new strategies, we must have effective and transparent mechanisms for civilian oversight of new security measures.”

“All measures that aim to increase security must be accompanied by meaningful counterweights to protect human rights. By pitting free speech concerns and security issues against each other we run the risk that both will be conquered, and we may find ourselves with no security and no rights,” she said.

Mijatović also underlined the continued need for participating States to provide a safe work environment for journalists.

The Representative’s report is available at:  //www.osce.org/fom/89295.