In light of the recent deterioration of the security situation in eastern Ukraine, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro, made the following statement.
“In light of the deterioration of the security situation in eastern Ukraine, I call for effective measures to ensure safety of journalists, as well as for full respect of international principles and OSCE commitments on freedom of expression and freedom of the media,” Ribeiro said.
The Representative further reminded that the participating States have committed themselves to adopt, where appropriate, all feasible measures to protect journalists engaged in dangerous professional missions and to condemn all attacks and violence against journalists. Media has a vital function in any society and journalists must therefore be safe to do their work, under all circumstances.
In this regard, the Representative further reminded that under international human rights and humanitarian laws the States should respect and protect freedom of expression and treat media workers as civilians.
“I urge all parties to refrain from spreading propaganda for war or incitement to hostility or violence.” Moreover, Ribeiro added that “journalists also have a moral duty to their audience – and the public in general – not to engage in jingoist rhetoric, not to spread panic, and not to promote lies or conspiracy theories that can endanger peace and public security.”
“I will continue to follow the situation in eastern Ukraine very closely,” the Representative said.
