OSCE marks the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day in Tajikistan
The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (Office) celebrated the World Press Freedom Day together with its national and international partners on 3 May 2023 in Dushanbe. This year’s theme "Shaping a Future of Rights. Freedom of Expression as a driver for all other human rights" created a platform for participants to re-engage, establish network, exchange experience, raise the awareness and discuss the current state of the media affairs in Tajikistan.
High-level representatives from Tajikistan's government, as well as international organizations, embassies, civil society and media outlets attended the conference. The Office organized the conference in cooperation with the Government of Tajikistan, Tajik Media Council, INTERNEWS, the US Embassy, the UK Embassy, the EU Delegation, German Embassy, French Embassy, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and UNESCO.
The event featured a series of panel discussions, keynote speeches and workshops. The participants also discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the media industry in Tajikistan. A follow-up workshops on media development, journalism education and reporting, aimed at equipping journalists with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape, were also among the focus of the conference.
Representative of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms Zarrina Ismoilzoda said that in a democratic and law-abiding society, the press is one of the main means of influencing public opinion, and its role in the process of democratization and formation of public opinion is very important. She added that the activity of the mass media is based on the Constitution, legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan and other international regulatory legal documents recognized by Tajikistan.
“In the OSCE, we firmly believe that freedom of expression and freedom of the media constitutes basic human rights. Implementation of these principles further serves the stability, development and prosperity,” stated Acting Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe Tea Jaliashvili in her opening speech.
“In Tajikistan, and around the world, an independent press is a key element of building democracy. We will continue to support the professional development of journalists in Tajikistan through exchange programmes, English classes, reporting tours, and technical support for media outlets. We will also continue to urge the Government of Tajikistan to support the rights of journalists and to respect their freedom of expression. We stand ready as friends and partners to assist,” said the U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan H.E. Mr Manuel P., Micaller while delivering his speech during the World Press Freedom Day Conference in Dushanbe.
Ambassador of the French Republic to Tajikistan H.E. Mr Eric Lebédel-Delumeau stated that the EU Member States remain fully committed to engage with governments, media and civil society to strengthen press freedom in Tajikistan and globally. He added that in Dushanbe the EU Ambassadors aligned themselves with the statement.
“Freedom of expression is the right to express our opinion and our right to participate in political, social, economic, cultural life and to find and disseminate accurate and quality information, which is considered one of the basic and fundamental rights for us journalists,” said Ms Hurinisso Alizoda, Chairperson of Tajik Media Council. “Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the World Press Freedom Day by Tajik journalists means that our country respects this right as a member of the UN,” added Ms Alizoda.