About us
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media is the world’s only intergovernmental media freedom watchdog. For over 25 years, the Representative has been the Organization’s primary tool for observing media developments in the participating States and endorsed full compliance with the Organization’s principles and commitments concerning freedom of expression and free media.
History
Established in 1997 by the OSCE Permanent Council
During the Cold War, the countries of the Northern Hemisphere recognized the crucial importance of the free flow of information in reducing tensions and maintaining peace and stability. In 1975 they resolved, in the Helsinki Final Act, to act in conformity with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and, in particular, to co-operate in the field of information and improve access to information and the working conditions
of journalists.
Two decades later, in 1997, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which evolved out of the Helsinki Process, established the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media to ensure implementation of the Organization’s media freedom principles and commitments, with Freimut Duve from Germany serving as the first Representative.
The participating States reaffirm the principles and commitments they have adhered to in the field of free media. They recall in particular that freedom of expression is a fundamental and internationally recognized human right and a basic component of a democratic society and that free, independent and pluralistic media are essential to a free and open society and accountable systems of government.
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Ambassador Jan Braathu, with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Valtonen
Mandate
Our role in the field of media freedom and development
For over 25 years, the Representative has been the Organization’s primary tool for observing media developments in the participating States and endorsed full compliance with the Organization’s principles and commitments concerning freedom of expression and free media. The mandate was agreed upon by all 57 participating States and continues to dictate all of our work today.
Function
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media is the world’s only intergovernmental media freedom watchdog. Based in Vienna, Austria, the Representative serves as an early warning function by observing relevant media developments in all participating States, and advocates and promotes full compliance with OSCE principles and commitments regarding freedom of expression and free media. The Representative’s activities are funded through the consensus-based unified budget, with some projects being made possible by in-kind contributions.
The office has particular expertise in protecting journalists, developing media pluralism, media regulation and legislation, decriminalizing defamation, combating hate speech, and promoting internet freedom.
Leadership
The current Representative and the Director of the Office
Contact
