OSCE media freedom representative lauds changes to Ukrainian law to enforce effective access to information

TORONTO, 28 March 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today welcomed the adoption by Verkhovna Rada of amendments to the Ukrainian legislation introducing long-awaited and competent democratic mechanisms of access to information.

“These amendments will enhance government transparency and democracy in Ukraine,” Mijatović said. “I call on the authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the new law, ensuring the people of Ukraine their full right to freely seek and receive information.”

On 27 March, the parliament adopted amendments to a set of laws that enable better implementation of the 2011 law on access to information and broaden the scope of information accessible to the public.

Mijatović reiterated her Office’s readiness to continue supporting media legislation reform in Ukraine and providing policy recommendations to bring it closer in line with international standards and OSCE media freedom commitments.

Mijatović is in Toronto participating in an international conference on Internet Freedom.

Earlier statement of the Representative on adoption of access to information law in Ukraine: //www.osce.org/fom/74939
Statements of the Representative on situation in Ukraine see at https://www.osce.org/home/115850

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on facebook.com/osce.rfom.