The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media functions as a watchdog on
media developments in all 57 participating member states of the
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The representative provides early warning on violations of
freedom of expression and promotes full compliance with OSCE principles and commitments regarding freedom of expression and
press freedom
Freedom of the press or freedom of the media is the fundamental principle that communication and expression through various media, including printed and electronic media, especially published materials, should be considered a right to be exerci ...
.
Mission
In cases where serious violations have occurred, the representative seeks direct contacts with the offending state and other parties involved, assesses the facts and assists in resolving problems. The representative collects and receives information on the situation of the media from a variety of sources, including participating OSCE States,
non-governmental organizations
A non-governmental organization (NGO) or non-governmental organisation (see spelling differences) is an organization that generally is formed independent from government. They are typically nonprofit entities, and many of them are active in h ...
and media organizations. The representative meets with member governments.
The office of the representative is based in
Vienna,
Austria, and has a staff of 15.
Each year, they issue a joint declaration calling attention to worldwide free expression concerns.
Other bodies
The OSCE Representative is one of the four international mechanisms for promoting freedom of expression. The others are:
*
UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression
*
OAS Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression
*
African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression
Past and present representatives
*
Freimut Duve (Germany): 1998–2004
*
Miklós Haraszti (Hungary): 2004–2010
*
Dunja Mijatović (Bosnia and Herzegovina): 2010–2017
*
Harlem Désir (France): 2017-2020
*
Teresa Ribeiro (Portugal): since 2020
References
External links
{{external media
, video
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media on #SOFJO The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, February 23, 2018
Official website of the Representative on Freedom of the MediaMandate of OSCE Representative on Freedom of the MediaFollow the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media on FacebookFollow the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media on Twitter
Intergovernmental human rights organizations
Freedom of expression
Diplomacy
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Journalism organizations in Europe