By Blessing Chinagorom
It has been said that at least 14 journalists were killed in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, adding that Russia continues to persecute dissenting voices in Ukrainian territory under its temporary control, as it has been doing in Crimea since 2014.
United Kingdom Ambassador, Neil Holland who recalled the vital contribution of media freedom to security in the OSCE region, and called on Russia and Belarus to live up to their OSCE commitments.
According to him, “We firmly believe that media freedom remains a vital component of our shared security. It underpins democratic institutions and is fundamental to protection of individual human rights. Conversely, disinformation leads to polarisation and makes societies around the world less secure.
We remain a strong supporter of your mandate and commend your personal commitment to ensuring resolute action at a time of increasing challenges. The UK has a long history of defending media freedom and holding those who abuse or restrict it to account.
“We founded the Media Freedom Coalition together with Canada in 2019. We know that securing media freedom requires continued investment and effort in all participating States. Our International Development White Paper, published just this week, repeats our commitment to the principle of media freedom”.
He said this was an important opportunity to take stock of progress on our recently updated National Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists, to discuss new UK legislation on online safety and to curb the chilling effect of Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation on pluralism and media freedom.
“Mr Chair, the wider picture for media freedom remains dismal. As you note in your report, Madam Ribeiro, journalists and other media workers face torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, intimidation and harassment in many parts of the OSCE region.
“Moreover, and too often, states have criminalised journalism itself. At least 14 journalists have been killed in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia continues to persecute dissenting voices in Ukrainian territory under its temporary control, as it has been doing in Crimea since 2014.
“This year’s Moscow Mechanism report found that freedom of expression in Belarus has been grievously undermined. Legislation can target any independent voice, particularly critics of government or of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.
“Anyone who administers social media networks or communication channels for listed so-called “extremists” can face serious charges, even of terrorism. Such actions are not compatible with participating States’ obligations under international law and their OSCE commitments.
“The UK once again calls on Russia and Belarus to live up to their OSCE principles and commitments, to enable freedom for the media to report on matters of public interest without undue interference, threats and intimidation.
“We remain a strong supporter of your mandate and commend your personal commitment to ensuring resolute action at a time of increasing challenges. The UK has a long history of defending media freedom and holding those who abuse or restrict it to account.
“We founded the Media Freedom Coalition together with Canada in 2019. We know that securing media freedom requires continued investment and effort in all participating States.
“Our International Development White Paper, published just this week, repeats our commitment to the principle of media freedom”, he said.