OSCE Representative Ribeiro encouraged by authorities’ commitment to freedom of expression and media freedom, as she concludes visit to Moldova
VIENNA, 6 March 2023 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, concluded her official visit to Moldova, which took place from 27 February to 3 March 2023.
The Representative met with several interlocutors, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicu Popescu, Vice President of the Parliament Mihai Popsoi, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Education, Research, Youth, Sport and Mass Media Liliana Nicolaescu-Onofrei, Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of the Republic of Moldova Cristina Gherasimov, State Secretary at the Ministry of Justice Nadejda Burciu, and State Secretary at the Ministry of Internal Affairs Andrei Cecoltan. She also met with Director General of the National Public Broadcaster “Teleradio-Moldova” Vladimir Țurcanu, Chair of the Audiovisual Council Liliana Vitu, prominent experts in the field of media freedom and human rights, and representatives of media.
“It was encouraging to see that despite the current security risks and various threats stemming from disinformation, Moldova continues to undertake important steps towards democratic reforms and remains committed to the respect of freedom of expression and freedom of the media,” Ribeiro said. “Finding the right balance between ensuring national security and the citizens’ fundamental right to freedom of expression when countering information disorders can be a challenging task. It is important that any measures taken in this context comply with the international standards and observe the requirements of due process.”
As transparency in public affairs is among the essential conditions for the accountability and promotion of a well-informed dialogue with the population, Ribeiro discussed the ongoing reform of the access to information legislation and underlined the importance of strengthening the applicable regulation, in an inclusive manner and through continued public consultations, as well as its effective enforcement and implementation.
Ribeiro and her counterparts further discussed the audiovisual regulatory legal framework in parts related to the independence of the public service broadcaster TeleRadio-Moldova and the broadcast regulatory authority Audiovisual Council and shared the expert recommendations of the legal analysis commissioned by her Office. The Representative reiterated that the functioning of both of these institutions must be provided in such a way that the legislation protects their independence, thus allowing for a plurality of voices and reliable information, and for fostering a favourable environment for freedom of the media.
“It was important to note that the authorities share the view that the public service broadcaster and the broadcast media regulator carry out important missions in democratic societies, and consider revisiting the relevant legal framework to ensure its compliance with international human rights standards and OSCE commitments,” Ribeiro said. “My Office stands ready to engage in further consultations and provide necessary assistance to Moldova with expert support.”
Following her discussions, the Representative also noted the importance of continued assistance to the development and sustainability of the independent media sector in Moldova, as well as of support to strengthening the professional capacities of media workers.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.