OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media meets with Ambassador of Azerbaijan

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Teresa Ribeiro, met today, 29 January 2021, with Ambassador Galib Israfilov to discuss media freedom developments in Azerbaijan and areas in which her institution can provide assistance.

Ribeiro stressed that the safety of journalists will be a focus of her work. She underlined the important contribution of Azerbaijan in supporting the adoption of 2018 Ministerial Council Decision on the Safety of Journalists, a document that acknowledges the key role of governments in enabling a safe working environment for journalists, free from intimidation and harassment.

The RFoM noted the recently announced initiatives by the Azeri authorities for deepening media reforms, including the establishment of a new agency for media development and the drafting of a new law on media. Ribeiro expressed her interest in learning more about the work of this agency and offered her Office’s assistance in providing expert recommendations, in line with relevant international standards and OSCE commitments.

Ribeiro and Israfilov also discussed the regional South Caucasus Media Conference, organized annually by the RFoM’s Office, and agreed to engage in further discussions about the 2021 event, including a possible visit of the RFoM to Azerbaijan on its occasion.