Internet freedom, journalists’ safety major concerns, OSCE media freedom representative tells Permanent Council

Dunja Mijatović, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, presented her second official report of 2012 to the OSCE Permanent Council on 21 June 2012, where she highlighted Internet freedom and journalists’ safety as major concerns.

“There is little doubt that the technological revolution that gave rise to the Internet is far from over - nor is the debate on its affect on mankind,” Mijatović said. “Every year we engage in passionate arguments about if and how the technology can be controlled to achieve political or social goals, and many keep forgetting that governments and technology should serve people and not vice versa.”

Mijatović drew attention to a World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) meeting in December in Dubai, and cautioned against any measures that could restrict Internet freedom.

“Even purely technical regulations might have consequences on online freedoms,” she said. “I call upon all 56 participating States to keep this in mind while preparing for the WCIT.”

Mijatović noted progress on the safety of journalists. “For the first time I sense a growing critical mass of public awareness, including among international organizations and NGOs, that could turn words into deeds,” she said, adding that much needs to be done to ensure that journalists are allowed to carry out their professional duties without fear of intimidation.