Media freedom as a “crucial pillar of democracy” and the “cornerstone for building societies that enjoy civil rights and fundamental freedoms” is jeopardised in Bosnia and throughout the world, international officials wrote in a statement for May 3, World Press Freedom Day.
“May 3, World Press Freedom Day, reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect freedom of the media and to ensure that journalists can continue to work honestly and openly, in an atmosphere free of fear and intimidation,” the Head of OSCE’s Mission in Bosnia, Bruce Berton, and the UK's Ambassador in the country, Matthew Field, wrote in the joint statement.
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“Democracy cannot survive without this, and in order to secure it, we must all do more,” they stressed.
The theme of this year’s Press Freedom Day is ‘Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation,’ which describes current challenges media is facing during election periods.
In Bosnia “we regularly witness biased or imbalanced media reporting, especially during election years, as well as coverage which spreads divisive rhetoric among communities across the country,” they wrote, adding that journalists should instead “be able to provide objective and reliable information so that citizens can make informed decisions and hold their elected representatives accountable for their actions.”
“Only in that way can peace and democracy be truly safeguarded,” Berton and Field stressed.
The statement said that the OSCE and their Media Freedom Representative will “address all media freedom threats” in the country and urged authorities to implement the OSCE Ministerial Decision on Safety of Journalists, which urges Participating States to “take effective measures to end impunity for crimes committed against journalists.”
It also said that the UK Foreign Secretary has, “recognising the deteriorating situation facing journalists around the world,” appointed human rights lawyer Amal Clooney to serve as Special Envoy on Media Freedom.
On July 10 the UK Government will host a global two-day conference on Media Freedom which will be attended by journalists, politicians and civil society representatives, who are to discuss “how to protect journalists and the very lifeblood of democracy,” the statement announced.
Journalists in Bosnia and throughout the world are facing threats and attacks daily, it said.
“We pay tribute to those journalists who work tirelessly in pursuit of truth, often at risk to their own safety and in some cases their lives. Their determination and courage is an inspiration to us all,” it added.
“The time is now – let’s free the press!
Happy World Press Freedom Day.” the statement concluded.
