OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Concludes 24th Central Asia Media Conference and Country Visit to Kyrgyzstan
VIENNA, 10 July 2023 - The 24th Central Asia Media Conference, titled "At a Crossroads: Safeguarding Media Freedom to Protect Democracy," concluded successfully in Bishkek last Friday. The conference shed light on the intrinsic connection between media freedom and democracy, addressing a wide range of media-related issues. Organized by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, the event brought together more than 120 participants from Central Asia, Mongolia and beyond.
The conference fostered meaningful discussions through engaging thematic panels and active participation from public authorities, media professionals, civil society representatives, OSCE Field Operations, and renowned experts from all over the OSCE region.
Key discussions and conclusions from the conference emphasized the significant technological transformation currently reshaping journalism, presenting both opportunities and challenges.
"Now, more than ever, we need to invest in a free and enabling media environment," said the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro. "This means we need media and information literacy, fact-checking initiatives, transparent government policies related to media freedom, strong quality journalism, and independent media regulators. But, most importantly, we need to support media pluralism, with a multitude of voices, including those of women journalists."
The conference also identified other crucial aspects impacting media freedom in the region, such as the safety of journalists, and in particular women journalists, digital threats, legal challenges, and economic constraints.
Prior to the conference, Teresa Ribeiro conducted an official country visit to Kyrgyzstan.
She engaged in constructive discussions with Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Zheenbek Kulubaev, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ayaz Baetov, Minister of Justice, Daiyrbek Orunbekov, Head of the Information Policy Service of the Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Chyngyz Esengul uulu, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sport and Youth Policy, Shukhrat Aitiev, Deputy Ombudsperson, and Zhibek Abdullaeva, Chair of the State Agency for Communications of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The discussions covered several key topics, including the draft laws “On Mass Media” and “On Foreign Representatives”, as well as the implementation of the law “On Protection from Inaccurate (False) Information”. Ribeiro stated that a comprehensive legal review of the draft law “On Mass Media”, jointly prepared with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), will be shared with the Kyrgyz authorities shortly.
The Representative underscored the importance of aligning the draft legislation with international standards and OSCE media freedom commitments, noting the commitment by her interlocutors to ensure a meaningful, transparent and inclusive process.
Moreover, Ribeiro discussed safety of journalists, the crucial role of an independent public service media, and the need to ensure that any restrictions on media are in line with international human rights law, in particular the requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality.
“Media freedom is a crucial pillar of democracy, and essential to a free, secure, open and more resilient society,” said Ribeiro, welcoming the expressed readiness by authorities to continue working with various stakeholders in the country in achieving tangible and sustainable progress.
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