During his visit to Yerevan, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir underlined the need to continue the fruitful co-operation between his office and Armenia to promote the freedom of the media.
He emphasized the need to ensure safe working conditions for journalists in Armenia and referred to cases of obstruction of the professional activities of media workers, especially while covering public events.
“Journalists have the right and duty to report freely. This includes reporting on rallies and demonstrations. The police and the judiciary should take all necessary measures to protect journalists and other media actors, and effectively prevent crimes against them,” Désir said.
“Addressing the safety of journalists requires a systematic approach and strong political will. My office stands ready to assist on this very important issue.”
The Representative met with Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, Justice Minister Davit Harutyunyan, Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) Arman Tatoyan, Head of the Police Headquarters Hovhannes Kocharyan, and members of the executive management of the Public Service Broadcaster Margarita Grigoryan and Mark Grigoryan.
The Representative also raised concerns about the planned amendments to the country’s Freedom of Information Law, stressing the need to avoid any risk of limiting citizens’ existing right to access to information.
“The discussions and process aimed at amending the current legislation need to be transparent and inclusive to ensure that all potential consequences are foreseen and can be properly addressed before adoption. Upholding public access to information with a very narrow system of exceptions in accordance with international standards, and ensuring that investigative journalism is not hampered, is crucial,” Désir said.
The OSCE media freedom representative also met with journalists and representatives of non-governmental organizations to learn about their perspectives of the media freedom situation in the country and to discuss various issues, including the work of public service media and the proliferation of propaganda.
“Armenia is a partner in the promotion of media freedom, and I am looking forward to future co-operation with all stakeholders on the much needed reform of public service media,” Désir said.