COMMITMENTS - Organization for Security and Co-operation

COMMITMENTS

Freedom of the MediaFreedom of ExpressionFree Flow of Information

Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

1975-2017

4th Edition

Freedom of the Media, Freedom of Expression, Free Flow of Information;

Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) and

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) 1975-2017; 4th Edition

Vienna: OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, 2017; 76 pp

© 2017 Representative on Freedom of the Media

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

6 Wallnerstrasse

A-1010 Vienna Austria

Phone: +43 1 51432-6800

Fax: +43 1 51436-6802

E-mail: [email protected]

Editor: Andrey Rikhter

Assistant: Aigerim Fazylova

ISBN: 978-3-903128-10-1

mailto:pm-fom%40osce.org?subject=

COMMITMENTS

Freedom of the MediaFreedom of ExpressionFree Flow of Information

Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

1975-2017

4th Edition

3

Contents

To the Reader 7

Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe Helsinki1975 9

Concluding Document of the Madrid Meeting(SecondFollow-upMeetingtotheHelsinkiConference)Madrid1983 14

Concluding Document of the Vienna Meeting (ThirdFollow-upMeetingtotheHelsinkiConference)Vienna1989 16

Report on Conclusions and Recommendations of the Meeting on the Protection of the Environment of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in EuropeVienna,1990 18

Document of the Copenhagen Meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension of the CSCE Copenhagen1990 19

Charter of Paris for a New Europe (SummitofHeadsofStateorGovernment)Paris1990 21

Document of the Cracow Symposium on the Cultural Heritage of the CSCE Participating States Cracow1991 22

Report of the CSCE Meeting of Experts on National Minorities Geneva1991 23

Document of the Moscow Meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension of the CSCE Moscow1991 25

Document of the Fourth Meeting of the CSCE Council of Ministers Rome1993 28

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CONTENTS

Budapest Document: Towards a Genuine Partnership in a New Era (SummitofHeadsofStateorGovernment)Budapest1994 29

Lisbon Document (SummitofHeadsofStateorGovernment)Lisbon1996 30

Decision No. 193. Establishment of the Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media, Mandate of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the MediaVienna1997 31

Vienna Document 1999 of the Negotiations on Confidence- and Security-Building Measures (Adoptedatthe269thPlenaryMeetingtheOSCEForumforSecurityCo-operation)Istanbul1999 35

Istanbul Document (SummitofHeadsofStateorGovernment)Istanbul1999 36

Decision No. 353. OSCE Action Plan for Gender IssuesVienna2000 39

Document of the Ninth Meeting of the Ministerial Council Bucharest2001 40 TheBucharestPlanofActionforCombatingTerrorism 40 DecisionNo.5bytheMinisterialCouncil 41

Document of the Tenth Meeting of the Ministerial Council Porto2002 42 OSCECharteronPreventingandCombatingTerrorism 42 DecisionNo.6.ToleranceandNon-Discrimination 42

Document of the Eleventh Meeting of the Ministerial Council Maastricht2003 45 OSCEStrategytoAddressThreatstoSecurityandStabilityintheTwenty-FirstCentury 45 OSCEStrategyDocumentfortheEconomicandEnvironmentalDimension 46 DecisionNo.3/03.ActionPlanonImprovingtheSituationofRomaandSinti

withintheOSCEAreaAnnex 47 DecisionNo.4/03.ToleranceandNon-Discrimination 48

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CONTENTS

Document of the Twelfth Meeting of the Ministerial Council Sofia2004 49 DecisionNo.3/04.CombatingtheuseoftheInternetforTerroristPurposes 49 DecisionNo.12/04.ToleranceandNon-Discrimination 49 Annex.ToleranceandtheFightAgainstRacism,XenophobiaandDiscrimination 50 Annex.PromotingToleranceandMediaFreedomontheInternet 50 Annex.OSCEActionPlanforthePromotionofGenderEquality 52

Document of the Thirteenth Meeting of the Ministerial Council Ljubljana2005 54 DecisionNo.10/05.ToleranceandNon-discrimination:PromotingMutualRespect

andUnderstanding 54

Document of the Fourteenth Meeting of the Ministerial Council Brussels2006 55 DecisionNo.7/06.CounteringtheuseoftheInternetforTerroristPurposes 55 DecisionNo.13/06.CombatingIntoleranceandDiscriminationandPromoting

MutualRespectandUnderstanding) 56 DecisionNo.759.MediaTwinning:Capacity-buildinginSupportofProfessional

MediaThroughPeer-to-PeerExchanges 56

Document of the Fifteenth Meeting of the Ministerial CouncilMadrid2007 58 DecisionNo.9/07.CombatingSexualExploitationofChildrenontheInternet 58

Document of the Sixteenth Meeting of the Ministerial CouncilHelsinki2008 59DecisionNo.6/08.EnhancingOSCEEffortstoImplementtheActionPlanon

ImprovingtheSituationofRomaandSintiwithintheOSCEArea 59

Document of the Seventeenth Meeting of the Ministerial Council Athens,2009 60 DecisionNo.8/09.EnhancingOSCEEffortstoEnsureRomaand

SintiSustainableIntegration 60

Astana Final Document (SummitofHeadsofStateorGovernment)Astana2010 61

Decision No. 1039. Development of Confidence-Building Measures to Reduce the Risks of Conflict Stemming from the Use of Information and Communication TechnologiesVienna2012 63

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CONTENTS

Document of the Nineteenth Meeting of the Ministerial CouncilDublin2012 64

Decision No. 1063. OSCE Consolidated Framework for the Fight Against Terrorism Vienna2012 65

Decision No. 1106. Initial set of OSCE Confidence-Building Measures to Reduce the Risks of Conflict Stemming from the Use of Information and Communication Technologies Vienna2013 66

Addendum to the OSCE Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings: One Decade Later Vienna2013 68

Document of the Twenty-First Meeting of the Ministerial CouncilBasel2014 69 DeclarationontheOSCERoleinCounteringthePhenomenonofForeignTerrorist

FightersintheContextoftheImplementationofUNSecurityCouncilResolutions

2170(2014)and2178(2014) 69 DecisionNo.5/14.PreventionofCorruption 69

Declaration on the Terrorist Attacks in ParisVienna2015 71

Document of the Twenty-Second Meeting of the Ministerial CouncilBelgrade2015 72 MinisterialDeclarationonPreventingandCounteringViolentExtremismand

RadicalizationthatLeadtoTerrorism 72

Document of the Twenty-Third Meeting of the Ministerial CouncilHamburg2016 74 DeclarationonStrengtheningOSCEEffortstoPreventandCounterTerrorism 74 DecisionNo.4/16.StrengtheningGoodGovernanceandPromotingConnectivity 75

7

ViennaOctober2017

To the Reader

Iampleasedtopresentthe4thedition1—expandedandupdatedforthiscurrentedition—of the compilationof commitmentsof theparticipatingStatesof theOrganization forSecurity and Co-operation in Europe in the fields of freedom of the media, freedom ofexpressionandthefreeflowofinformation,aswellasthetaskingsofthemandateoftheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMedia.

Thisguide,chronological inpresentation,showstheadvancementof freemediaandfreeexpressionprinciplesover themorethan40yearsof theCSCE/OSCE’sexistence.Manyof the commitments prove how advanced the OSCE was in identifying and addressingissues in thepast thatwemustaddress today, including thosechallenges resulting fromtheemergenceofnewdigitaltechnologies.Thesecommitmentsareasequallyapplicableofflineastheyareonline.Theyareareminderthatacomprehensiveconceptofsecuritymustinclude an equally comprehensive application of fundamental freedoms and internationalstandards,amongwhich freedomof themedia, freedomofexpressionand the freeflowofinformationarefundamentaltenets,toachievepeace,security,andconfidence-buildingamongtheparticipatingStates.

OSCEparticipatingStatescanbeproudofthesecommitmentsbuttheymustensurethattheybefullyimplementedandadheredto.ItwasinpursuitofthisverygoalthattheOfficeoftheRepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediawasestablished20yearsago.

As Representative, I fulfil the responsibilities set out in my mandate in part by alertingauthoritieswhencommitmentsareviolated.Itismyroletoensurethatauthoritieshearthisalarmand,wheneverneeded,toprovideresourcesandtoolstoassistparticipatingStatesinfullyimplementingthesecommitments.

Ihopeyouwillusethispublicationasonesuchresource,providingclarityandsubstantiveguidanceontheobjectivesandmissionoftheOSCEandmyOffice.

HarlemDésirOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMedia

1The1stedition:“FreedomofExpression,FreeFlowofInformation,FreedomofMedia:CSCE/OSCEMainprovisions1975-2001”waspublishedbytheOSCEin2001(seehttp://www.osce.org/fom/13881);the2ndeditionwas“FreedomofExpression,FreeFlowofInformation,FreedomofMedia:CSCE/OSCEMainProvisions1975-2007”in2007,andthe3rdwas“FreedomofExpression,FreeFlowofInformation,FreedomofMedia:CSCE/OSCEMainProvisions1975-2012”publishedin2012andagainin2013(seehttp://www.osce.org/fom/99565).

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COMMITMENTS

Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe

1 August 1975, Helsinki

1. (a) Declaration on Principles Guiding Relations between Participating States:

(...)

VII. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief

TheparticipatingStateswillrespecthumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms,includingthefreedomofthought,conscience,religionorbelief,forallwithoutdistinctionastorace,sex,languageorreligion.

Theywillpromoteandencouragetheeffectiveexerciseofcivil,political,economic,social,culturalandotherrightsandfreedomsallofwhichderive fromthe inherentdignityof thehumanpersonandareessentialforhisfreeandfulldevelopment.

(...)

The participating States recognize the universal significance of human rights andfundamental freedoms,respect forwhich isanessential factor for thepeace, justiceandwellbeingnecessarytoensurethedevelopmentoffriendlyrelationsandco-operationamongthemselvesasamongallStates.

They will constantly respect these rights and freedoms in their mutual relations and willendeavorjointlyandseparately,includinginco-operationwiththeUnitedNations,topromoteuniversalandeffectiverespectforthem.

Theyconfirmtherightoftheindividualtoknowandactuponhisrightsanddutiesinthisfield.

Inthefieldofhumanrightsandfundamental freedoms,theparticipatingStateswillact inconformitywiththepurposesandprinciplesoftheCharteroftheUnitedNationsandwiththeUniversalDeclarationofHumanRights.Theywillalsofulfiltheirobligationsassetforthintheinternationaldeclarationsandagreementsinthisfield,includinginteraliatheInternationalCovenantsonHumanRights,bywhichtheymaybebound.

(...)

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COMMITMENTS

(b) Matters related to giving effect to certain of the above Principles

(i)TheparticipatingStates,

(...)

Declarethattheyareresolvedtorespectandcarryout,intheirrelationswithoneanother,interalia,thefollowingprovisionswhichareinconformitywiththeDeclarationonPrinciplesGuidingRelationsbetweenParticipatingStates:

(...)

—Topromote,byallmeanswhicheachofthemconsidersappropriate,aclimateofconfidenceandrespectamongpeoplesconsonantwiththeirdutytorefrainfrompropagandaforwarsofaggressionorforanythreatoruseofforceinconsistentwiththepurposesoftheUnitedNations and with the Declaration on Principles Guiding Relations between ParticipatingStates,againstanotherparticipatingState.

(...)

Co-operation in Humanitarian and Other Fields

(...)

2. Information

TheparticipatingStates,

Conscious of the need for an ever wider knowledge and understanding of the variousaspectsoflifeinotherparticipatingStates,

Acknowledging the contribution of this process to the growth of confidence betweenpeoples,

Desiring,withthedevelopmentofmutualunderstandingbetweentheparticipatingStatesand with the further improvement of their relations, to continue further efforts towardsprogressinthisfield,

RecognizingtheimportanceofthedisseminationofinformationfromtheotherparticipatingStatesandofabetteracquaintancewithsuchinformation,

Emphasizingthereforetheessentialandinfluentialroleofthepress,radio,television,cinemaandnewsagenciesandofthejournalistsworkinginthesefields,

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COMMITMENTS

Make it theiraimtofacilitatethefreerandwiderdisseminationof informationofallkinds,toencourageco-operationinthefieldofinformationandtheexchangeofinformationwithothercountries,andtoimprovetheconditionsunderwhichjournalistsfromoneparticipatingStateexercisetheirprofessioninanotherparticipatingState,and

Expresstheirintentioninparticular:

(a) Improvement of the Circulation of, Access to, and Exchange of Information

(...)

(ii) PrintedInformation

To facilitate the improvement of the dissemination, on their territory, of newspapers andprintedpublications,periodicalandnon-periodical,fromtheotherparticipatingStates.Forthispurpose:

• theywillencouragetheircompetentfirmsandorganizationstoconcludeagreementsandcontractsdesignedgraduallytoincreasethequantitiesandthenumberoftitlesofnewspapersandpublicationsimportedfromtheotherparticipatingStates.Theseagreementsandcontractsshould inparticularmention thespeediestconditionsof delivery and the use of the normal channels existing in each country for thedistributionofitsownpublicationsandnewspapers,aswellasformsandmeansofpaymentagreedbetweenthepartiesmakingitpossibletoachievetheobjectivesaimedatbytheseagreementsandcontracts;

• where necessary, they will take appropriate measures to achieve the aboveobjectives and to implement the provisions contained in the agreements andcontracts.

Tocontributetotheimprovementofaccessbythepublictoperiodicalandnon-periodicalprintedpublicationsimportedonthebasesindicatedabove.Inparticular:

• theywillencourageanincreaseinthenumberofplaceswherethesepublicationsareonsale;

• they will facilitate the availability of these periodical publications during congresses,conferences,officialvisitsandotherinternationaleventsandtotouristsduringtheseason;

• they will develop the possibilities for taking out subscriptions according to themodalitiesparticulartoeachcountry;

• theywillimprovetheopportunitiesforreadingandborrowingthesepublicationsinlargepubliclibrariesandtheirreadingroomsaswellasinuniversitylibraries;

• they intend to improve the possibilities for acquaintance with bulletins of officialinformationissuedbydiplomaticmissionsanddistributedbythosemissionsonthebasisofarrangementsacceptabletotheinterestedparties.

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COMMITMENTS

(iii) FilmedandBroadcastInformation

Topromotetheimprovementofthedisseminationoffilmedandbroadcastinformation.Tothisend:

• they will encourage the wider showing and broadcasting of a greater variety ofrecorded and filmed information from the other participating States, illustratingthe various aspects of life in their countries and received on the basis of suchagreementsorasmaybenecessarybetweentheorganizationsandfirmsdirectlyconcerned;

• they will facilitate the import by competent organizations and firms of recordedaudio-visualmaterialfromtheotherparticipatingStates;

TheparticipatingStatesnotetheexpansioninthedisseminationofinformationbroadcastbyradio,andexpressthehopeforthecontinuationofthisprocess,soastomeettheinterestofmutualunderstandingamongpeoplesandtheaimssetforthbythisConference.

(b) Co-operation in the Field of Information

Toencourage co-operation in the field of informationon thebasis of short or long termagreementsorarrangements.Inparticular:

• they[theparticipatingStates]willfavorincreasedco-operationamongmassmediaorganizations,includingpressagencies,aswellasamongpublishinghousesandorganizations;

• theywillfavorco-operationamongpublicorprivate,nationalorinternationalradioand televisionorganizations, inparticular through theexchangeofboth liveandrecordedradioandtelevisionprogrammes,andthroughthe jointproductionandthebroadcastinganddistributionofsuchprogrammes;

• theywillencouragemeetingsandcontactsbothbetweenjournalistsorganizationsandbetweenjournalistsfromtheparticipatingStates;

• they will view favorably the possibilities of arrangements between periodicalpublicationsaswellasbetweennewspapersfromtheparticipatingStates,forthepurposeofexchangingandpublishingarticles;

• theywillencouragetheexchangeoftechnicalinformationaswellastheorganizationofjointresearchandmeetingsdevotedtotheexchangeofexperienceandviewsbetweenexpertsinthefieldofthepress,radioandtelevision.

(c) Improvement of Working Conditions for Journalists

TheparticipatingStates,desiringtoimprovetheconditionsunderwhichjournalistsfromoneparticipatingStateexercisetheirprofessioninanotherparticipatingState,intendinparticularto:

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COMMITMENTS

• examine in a favorable spirit and within a suitable and reasonable time scalerequestsfromjournalistsforvisas;

• granttopermanentlyaccreditedjournalistsoftheparticipatingStates,onthebasisofarrangements,multipleentryandexitvisasforspecifiedperiods;

• facilitatetheissuetoaccreditedjournalistsoftheparticipatingStatesofpermitsforstayintheircountryoftemporaryresidenceand,ifandwhenthesearenecessary,ofotherofficialpaperswhichitisappropriateforthemtohave;

• ease, on a basis of reciprocity, procedures for arranging travel by journalists oftheparticipatingStates inthecountrywheretheyareexercisingtheirprofession,and toprovideprogressivelygreateropportunities forsuch travel,subject to theobservance of regulations relating to the existence of areas closed for securityreasons;

• ensurethatrequestsbysuchjournalistsforsuchtravelreceive,insofaraspossible,anexpeditiousresponse,takingintoaccountthetimescaleoftherequest;

• increasetheopportunitiesforjournalistsoftheparticipatingStatestocommunicatepersonallywiththeirsources,includingorganizationsandofficialinstitutions;

• granttojournalistsoftheparticipatingStatestherighttoimport,subjectonlytoitbeing takenoutagain, the technicalequipment (photographic,cinematographic,taperecorder,radioandtelevision)necessaryfortheexerciseoftheirprofession*;

• enable journalists of the other participating States, whether permanently ortemporarily accredited, to transmit completely, normally and rapidly by meansrecognized by the participating States to the information organs which theyrepresent, the resultsof theirprofessionalactivity, including tape recordingsandundevelopedfilm,forthepurposeofpublicationorofbroadcastingontheradioortelevision.

TheparticipatingStatesreaffirmthatthelegitimatepursuitoftheirprofessionalactivitywillneitherrender journalists liabletoexpulsionnorotherwisepenalizethem. Ifanaccreditedjournalist is expelled, hewill be informedof the reasons for this act andmay submit anapplicationforre-examinationofhiscase.

(...)

* While recognizing that appropriate local personnel are employed by foreign journalists in many instances, theparticipatingStatesnotethattheaboveprovisionswouldbeapplied,subjecttotheobservanceoftheappropriaterules, topersons fromtheotherparticipatingStates,whoare regularlyandprofessionallyengagedas technicians,photographersorcameramenofthepress,radio,televisionorcinema.

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COMMITMENTS

Concluding Document of the Madrid Meeting(SecondFollow-upMeetingtotheHelsinkiConference)

9 September 1983, Madrid


(...)

Information

TheparticipatingStateswillfurtherencouragethefreerandwiderdisseminationofprintedmatter,periodicalandnon-periodical, importedfromotherparticipatingStates,aswellasan increase in thenumberofplaceswhere thesepublicationsareonpublic sale.Thesepublications win also be accessible in reading rooms in large public libraries and similarinstitutions.

In particular, to facilitate the improvement of dissemination of printed information, theparticipatingStateswillencouragecontactsandnegotiationsbetweentheircompetentfirmsandorganizationswithaviewtoconcludinglong-termagreementsandcontractsdesignedto increase the quantities and number of titles of newspapers and other publicationsimported from other participating States. They consider it desirable that the retail pricesofforeignpublicationsarenotexcessiveinrelationtopricesintheircountryoforigin.Theyconfirmtheirintention,accordingtotherelevantprovisionsoftheFinalAct,tofurtherextendthepossibilitiesforthepublictotakeoutsubscriptions.

They will favour the further expansion of co-operation among mass media and theirrepresentatives, especially between the editorial staffs of press agencies, newspapers,radioandtelevisionorganizationsaswellasfilmcompanies.Theywillencourageamoreregularexchangeofnews,articles,supplementsandbroadcastsaswellastheexchangeofeditorialstaff forbetterknowledgeof respectivepractices.On thebasisof reciprocity,theywillimprovethematerialandtechnicalfacilitiesprovidedforpermanentlyortemporarilyaccreditedtelevisionandradioreporters.Moreover,theywillfacilitatedirectcontactsamongjournalistsaswellascontactswithintheframeworkofprofessionalorganizations.

Theywilldecidewithoutunduedelayuponvisaapplicationsfromjournalistsandre-examinewithinareasonabletimeframeapplicationswhichhavebeenrefused.Moreover,journalistswishingtotravelforpersonalreasonsandnotforthepurposeofreportingshallenjoythesametreatmentasothervisitorsfromtheircountryoforigin.

Theywillgrantpermanentcorrespondentsandmembersof their families livingwiththemmultipleentryandexitvisasvalidforoneyear.

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COMMITMENTS

The participating States will examine the possibility of granting, where necessary on thebasisofbilateralarrangements,accreditationandrelatedfacilitiestojournalistsfromotherparticipatingStateswhoarepermanentlyaccreditedinthirdcountries.

TheywillfacilitatetravelbyjournalistsfromotherparticipatingStateswithintheirterritories,interaliabytakingconcretemeasureswherenecessary,toaffordthemopportunitiestotravelmoreextensively,withtheexceptionofareasclosedforsecurityreasons.Theywill informjournalistsinadvance,wheneverpossible,ifnewareasareclosedforsecurityreasons.

Theywillfurtherincreasethepossibilitiesand,whennecessary,improvetheconditionsforjournalistsfromotherparticipatingStatestoestablishandmaintainpersonalcontactsandcommunicationwiththeirsources.

They will, as a rule, authorize radio and television journalists, at their request, to beaccompaniedbytheirownsoundandfilmtechniciansandtousetheirownequipment.

Similarly, journalistsmaycarrywiththemreferencematerial, includingpersonalnotesandfiles,tobeusedstrictlyfortheirprofessionalpurposes.*

(...)

TheparticipatingStateswill,wherenecessary, facilitate theestablishmentandoperation,intheircapitals,ofpresscentersorinstitutionsperformingthesamefunctions,opentothenationalandforeignpresswithsuitableworkingfacilitiesforthelatter.

TheywillalsoconsiderfurtherwaysandmeanstoassistjournalistsfromotherparticipatingStatesandthustoenablethemtoresolvepracticalproblemstheymayencounter.

(...)

*Inthiscontextitisunderstoodthatimportofprintedmattermaybesubjecttolocalregulationswhichwillbeappliedwithdueregardtothejournalists’needforadequateworkingmaterial.

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COMMITMENTS

Concluding Document of the Vienna Meeting(ThirdFollow-upMeetingtotheHelsinkiConference)

15 January 1989, Vienna


(...)

Information

(34) They [The Participating States] will continue efforts to contribute to an ever-widerknowledgeandunderstandingof life in theirStates, thuspromotingconfidencebetweenpeoples.

Theywillmakefurthereffortstofacilitatethefreerandwiderdisseminationofinformationofallkinds,toencourageco-operationinthefieldofinformationandtoimprovetheworkingconditionsofjournalists.

In this connection and in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil andPoliticalRights,theUniversalDeclarationofHumanRightsandtheirrelevant internationalcommitmentsconcerningseeking,receivingandimpartinginformationofallkinds,theywillensurethatindividualscanfreelychoosetheirsourcesofinformation.

Inthiscontexttheywill • ensurethatradioservicesoperatinginaccordancewiththeITURadioRegulations

canbedirectlyandnormallyreceivedintheirStates,and • allow individuals, institutions and organizations while respecting intellectual

propertyrights,includingcopyrights,toobtain,possess,reproduceanddistributeinformationmaterialofallkinds.

To these ends they will remove any restrictions inconsistent with the above mentionedobligationsandcommitments.

(35) They will take every opportunity offered by modern means of communication,includingcableandsatellites,toincreasethefreerandwiderdisseminationofinformationofallkinds.Theywillalsoencourageco-operationandexchangesbetweentheirrelevantinstitutions, organizations and technical experts, and work towards the harmonization oftechnicalstandardsandnorms.Theywillbearinmindtheeffectsofthesemodernmeansofcommunicationontheirmassmedia.

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COMMITMENTS

(36) They will ensure that official information bulletins can be freely distributed on theirterritory by the diplomatic and other official missions and consular posts of the otherparticipatingStates.

(37)Theywill encourage radioand televisionorganization,on thebasisof arrangementsbetweenthem,tobroadcast live,especially in theorganizingcountries,programmesanddiscussions with participants from different States and to broadcast statements of andinterviewswithpoliticalandotherpersonalitiesfromtheparticipatingStates.

(38)Theywill encourage radioand televisionorganizations to reportondifferentaspectsoflifeinotherparticipatingStatesandtoincreasethenumberoftelebridgesbetweentheircountries.

(39)Recallingthatthelegitimatepursuitofjournalists’professionalactivitywillneitherrenderthemliabletoexpulsionnorotherwisepenalizethem,theywillrefrainfromtakingrestrictivemeasuressuchaswithdrawingajournalist’saccreditationorexpellinghimbecauseofthecontentofthereportingofthejournalistorofhisinformationmedia.

(40)Theywillensurethat,inpursuingthisactivity,journalists,includingthoserepresentingmediafromotherparticipatingStates,arefreetoseekaccesstoandmaintaincontactswithpublicandprivatesourcesofinformationandthattheirneedforprofessionalconfidentialityisrespected.

(41)Theywillrespectthecopyrightofjournalists.

(42)Onthebasisofarrangementsbetweenthem,wherenecessary,andforthepurposeofregularreporting,theywillgrantaccreditation,whereitisrequired,andmultipleentryvisastojournalistsfromotherparticipatingStates,regardlessoftheirdomicile.Onthisbasistheywillreducetoamaximumoftwomonthstheperiodforissuingbothaccreditationandmultipleentryvisastojournalists.

(43) They will facilitate the work of foreign journalists by providing relevant information,on request, on matters of practical concern, such as import regulations, taxation andaccommodation.

(44)Theywillensurethatofficialpressconferencesand,asappropriate,othersimilarofficialpresseventsarealsoopentoforeignjournalists,uponaccreditation,whereitisrequired.

(45)Theywillensureinpracticethatpersonsbelongingtonationalorregionalculturesontheirterritoriescandisseminate,haveaccessto,andexchangeinformationintheirmothertongue.

(...)

18

Report on Conclusions and Recommendations of the Meeting on the Protection of the Environment of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe

5 November 1990, Vienna

(...)

The participating States reaffirm their respect for the right of individuals, groups andorganizationsconcernedwithenvironmentalissuestoexpressfreelytheirviews,toassociatewithothers,topeacefullyassemble,aswellastoobtain,publishanddistributeinformationontheseissues,withoutlegalandadministrativeimpedimentsinconsistentwiththeCSCEprovisions.

(...)

COMMITMENTS

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COMMITMENTS

Document of the Copenhagen Meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension of the CSCE

29 June 1990, Copenhagen

I.

(...)

(7)(...)theparticipatingStateswill

(...)

(7.7) —ensure that law and public policy work to permit political campaigning to beconducted in a fair and free atmosphere in which neither administrative action, violencenorintimidationbarsthepartiesandthecandidatesfromfreelypresentingtheirviewsandqualifications,orpreventsthevotersfromlearninganddiscussingthemorfromcastingtheirvotefreeoffearofretribution;

(7.8) —provide that no legal or administrative obstacle stands in the way of unimpededaccesstothemediaonanon-discriminatorybasisforallpoliticalgroupingsandindividualswishingtoparticipateintheelectoralprocess.

(...)

II.

(9)TheparticipatingStatesreaffirmthat

(9.1) —everyone will have the right to freedom of expression including the right tocommunication.Thisrightwillincludefreedomtoholdopinionsandtoreceiveandimpartinformationand ideaswithout interferencebypublicauthorityand regardlessof frontiers.Theexerciseofthisrightmaybesubjectonlytosuchrestrictionsasareprescribedbylawandareconsistentwithinternationalstandards.Inparticular,nolimitationwillbeimposedonaccessto,anduseof,meansofreproducingdocumentsofanykind,whilerespecting,however,rightsrelatingtointellectualproperty,includingcopyright;

(...)

(10) In reaffirming their commitment to ensure effectively the rights of the individual toknowandactuponhuman rightsand fundamental freedoms,and tocontributeactively,

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COMMITMENTS

individuallyorinassociationwithothers,totheirpromotionandprotection,theparticipatingStatesexpresstheircommitmentto

(10.1)—respect the rightof everyone, individuallyor in associationwithothers, to seek,receiveandimpartfreelyviewsandinformationonhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms,includingtherightstodisseminateandpublishsuchviewsandinformation.

(10.2)—respecttherightsofeveryone, individuallyor inassociationwithothers,tostudyanddiscuss theobservanceofhuman rightsand fundamental freedomsand todevelopanddiscussideasforimprovedprotectionofhumanrightsandbettermeansforensuringcompliancewithinternationalhumanrightsstandards;

(...)

IV.

(32)(...)Personsbelongingtonationalminoritieshavetherightfreelytoexpress,preserveanddeveloptheirethnic,cultural,linguisticorreligiousidentityandtomaintainanddeveloptheircultureinallitsaspects,freeofanyattemptsatassimilationagainsttheirwill.

(...)

(40)TheparticipatingStates(...)will

(40.1)—takeeffectivemeasures,includingtheadoption,inconformitywiththeirconstitutionalsystemsandtheir internationalobligations,ofsuchlawsasmaybenecessary,toprovideprotectionagainstanyactsthatconstituteincitementtoviolenceagainstpersonsorgroupsbasedonnational,racial,ethnicorreligiousdiscrimination,hostilityorhatred,includinganti-semitism;

(...)

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COMMITMENTS

Charter of Paris for a New Europe(SummitofHeadsofStateorGovernment)

19-21 November 1990, Paris

Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law

We undertake to build, consolidate and strengthen democracy as the only system ofgovernmentofournations.Inthisendeavour,wewillabidebythefollowing:

Humanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsarethebirthrightofallhumanbeings,areinalienableand are guaranteed by law. Their protection and promotion is the first responsibility ofgovernment.RespectforthemisanessentialsafeguardagainstanovermightyState.Theirobservanceandfullexercisearethefoundationoffreedom,justiceandpeace.

Democratic government is based on the will of the people, expressed regularly throughfreeandfairelections.Democracyhasasitsfoundationrespectforthehumanpersonandtheruleoflaw.Democracyisthebestsafeguardoffreedomofexpression,toleranceofallgroupsofsociety,andequalityofopportunityforeachperson.

Democracy, with its representative and pluralist character, entails accountability to theelectorate,theobligationofpublicauthoritiestocomplywiththelawandjusticeadministeredimpartially.Noonewillbeabovethelaw.

Weaffirmthat,withoutdiscrimination,everyindividualhastherightto

• freedomofthought,conscienceandreligionorbelief, • freedomofexpression, • freedomofassociationandpeacefulassembly, • freedomofmovement;

(...)

Wewillensurethateveryonewillenjoyrecoursetoeffectiveremedies,nationalorinternational,againstanyviolationofhisrights.FullrespectforthesepreceptsisthebedrockonwhichwewillseektoconstructthenewEurope.OurStateswillco-operateandsupporteachotherwiththeaimofmakingdemocraticgainsirreversible.

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COMMITMENTS

Document of the Cracow Symposium on the Cultural Heritage of the CSCE Participating States

28 May – 7 June 1991, Cracow

(...)

Reaffirming their commitment to the full implementation of the provisions relating to theculturaldimension in theHelsinkiFinalActandotherCSCEdocuments, theparticipatingStatesagreeonthefollowing:

I.CultureandFreedom

(...)

(6)TheparticipatingStatesrecalltheirrespectforfreedomofexpressionand,inconnectionwiththeexerciseofthatfreedomintheartisticandculturalfields,stateasfollows:

(6.1) The publication of written works, the performance and broadcasting of musical,theatricalandaudiovisualworks,andtheexhibitionofpictorialorsculpturalworkswillnotbesubjecttorestrictionorinterferencebytheStatesavesuchrestrictionsasareprescribedbydomesticlegislationandarefullyconsistentwithinternationalstandards.

(6.2)Theyexpresstheirconvictionthattheexistence,intheartisticandculturalfields,ofadiversityofmeansofdisseminationindependentoftheState,suchaspublishinghouses,radiobroadcasting,cinemaandtelevisionenterprises,theatresandgalleries,helpstoensurepluralismandthefreedomofartisticandculturalexpression.

(...)

23

COMMITMENTS

Report of the CSCE Meeting of Experts on National Minorities

19 July 1991, Geneva

(...)

VI.

TheparticipatingStates,concernedbytheproliferationofactsofracial,ethnicandreligioushatred,anti-semitism,xenophobiaanddiscrimination,stresstheirdeterminationtocondemn,onacontinuingbasis,suchactsagainstanyone.

(...)

Theywilltakeeffectivemeasurestopromotetolerance,understanding,equalityofopportunityandgoodrelationsbetweenindividualsofdifferentoriginswithintheircountry.

Further, the participating States will take effective measures, including the adoption, inconformitywith theirconstitutional lawandtheir internationalobligations, if theyhavenotalready done so, of laws that would prohibit acts that constitute incitement to violencebasedonnational,racial,ethnicorreligiousdiscrimination,hostilityorhatred,includinganti-semitism,andpoliciestoenforcesuchlaws.

Moreover, in order to heighten public awareness of prejudice and hatred, to improveenforcementoflawsagainsthate-relatedcrimeandotherwisetofurthereffortstoaddresshatredandprejudiceinsociety,theywillmakeeffortstocollect,publishonaregularbasis,andmakeavailabletothepublic,dataaboutcrimesontheirrespectiveterritoriesthatarebasedonprejudiceastorace,ethnicidentityorreligion,includingtheguidelinesusedforthecollectionofsuchdata.Thesedatashouldnotcontainanypersonalinformation.

Theywillconsultandexchangeviewsandinformationattheinternationallevel,includingatfuturemeetingsoftheCSCE,oncrimesthatmanifestevidenceofprejudiceandhate.

VII.

Convinced that the protection of the rights of persons belonging to national minoritiesnecessitatesfreeflowofinformationandexchangeofideas,theparticipatingStatesemphasizetheimportanceofcommunicationbetweenpersonsbelongingtonationalminoritieswithoutinterferenceby public authorities and regardless of frontiers. The exercise of such rightsmaybesubjectonlytosuchrestrictionsasareprescribedbylawandareconsistentwith

24

COMMITMENTS

internationalstandards.Theyreaffirmthatnoonebelongingtoanationalminority,simplybyvirtueofbelongingtosuchaminority,willbesubjecttopenaloradministrativesanctionsforhavinghadcontactswithinoroutsidehis/herowncountry.

Inaccesstothemedia,theywillnotdiscriminateagainstanyonebasedonethnic,cultural,linguistic or religious grounds. They will make information available that will assist theelectronic mass media in taking into account, in their programmes, the ethnic, cultural,linguisticandreligiousidentityofnationalminorities.

(...)

25

Document of the Moscow Meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension of the CSCE

3 October 1991, Moscow

(...)

The participating States emphasize that issues relating to human rights, fundamentalfreedoms, democracy and the rule of law are of international concern, as respect forthese rights and freedoms constitutes one of the foundations of the international order.They categorically and irrevocably declare that the commitments undertaken in the fieldof thehumandimensionof theCSCEaremattersofdirectand legitimateconcern toallparticipatingStatesanddonotbelongexclusivelytotheinternalaffairsoftheStateconcerned.Theyexpresstheirdeterminationtofulfilalloftheirhumandimensioncommitmentsandtoresolvebypeacefulmeansany related issue, individuallyandcollectively,on thebasisofmutualrespectandco-operation.Inthiscontexttheyrecognizethattheactiveinvolvementofpersons,groups,organizationsandinstitutionsisessentialtoensurecontinuingprogressinthisdirection.

The participating States express their collective determination to further safeguardhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsandtoconsolidatedemocraticadvancesintheirterritories. They also recognize a compelling need to increase the CSCE’s effectivenessinaddressinghumanrightsconcernsthatarise intheir territoriesat thistimeofprofoundchangeinEurope.

In order to strengthen and expand the human dimension mechanism described in thesectiononthehumandimensionoftheCSCEintheConcludingDocumentoftheViennaMeeting and to build upon and deepen the commitments set forth in the Document oftheCopenhagenMeetingof theConferenceon theHumanDimensionof theCSCE, theparticipatingStatesadoptthefollowing:

(...)

(24)TheparticipatingStatesreconfirmtherighttotheprotectionofprivateandfamilylife,domicile,correspondenceandelectroniccommunications.InordertoavoidanyimproperorarbitraryintrusionbytheStateintherealmoftheindividual,whichwouldbeharmfultoanydemocraticsociety,theexerciseofthisrightwillbesubjectonlytosuchrestrictionsasareprescribedbylawandareconsistentwithinternationallyrecognizedhumanrightsstandards.

(...)

COMMITMENTS

26

COMMITMENTS

(26)TheparticipatingStatesreaffirmtherighttofreedomofexpression,includingtherighttocommunicationandtherightofthemediatocollect,reportanddisseminateinformation,newsandopinions.Anyrestrictionintheexerciseofthisrightwillbeprescribedbylawandinaccordancewithinternationalstandards.Theyfurtherrecognizethatindependentmediaareessentialtoafreeandopensocietyandaccountablesystemsofgovernmentandareofparticularimportanceinsafeguardinghumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms.

(26.1) They consider that the print and broadcast media in their territory should enjoyunrestrictedaccesstoforeignnewsandinformationservices.Thepublicwillenjoysimilarfreedomtoreceiveandimpartinformationandideaswithoutinterferencebypublicauthorityregardless of frontiers, including through foreign publications and foreign broadcasts.Anyrestrictionintheexerciseofthisrightwillbeprescribedbylawandinaccordancewithinternationalstandards.

(26.2)TheparticipatingStateswillnotdiscriminateagainstindependentmediawithrespecttoaffordingaccesstoinformation,materialandfacilities.

(...)

(28.9)TheparticipatingStateswillendeavortomaintainfreedomofexpressionandfreedomof information, consistent with their international obligations and commitments, with aview to enabling public discussion on the observance of human rights and fundamentalfreedomsaswellasontheliftingofthestateofpublicemergency.Theywill,inconformitywithinternationalstandardsregardingthefreedomofexpression,takenomeasuresaimedatbarringjournalistsfromthelegitimateexerciseoftheirprofessionotherthanthosestrictlyrequiredbytheexigenciesofthesituation.

(...)

(34)TheparticipatingStateswilladopt,whereappropriate,allfeasiblemeasurestoprotectjournalists engaged in dangerous professional missions, particularly in cases of armedconflict, and will co-operate to that effect. These measures will include tracing missingjournalists, ascertaining their fate, providing appropriate assistance and facilitating theirreturntotheirfamilies.

(35) The participating States reaffirm that guaranteeing the freedom of artistic creationand preserving the cultural heritage form part of the human dimension of the CSCE.Theyconsiderthat independent intellectualandcultural life iscrucial for themaintenanceoffreesocietiesanddemocraticinstitutions.Theywillimplementtheircommitmentsinthecultural field, as laid down in the Document of the Cracow Symposium on the CulturalHeritage,andexpresstheviewthatculturalissues,includingculturalfreedom,creativityandco-operation,shouldbefurtherconsideredintheCSCE.(...)

27

COMMITMENTS

(38.1)Theycondemnall actsofdiscriminationon thegroundof race, colour andethnicorigin, intoleranceandxenophobiaagainstmigrantworkers.Theywill, inconformitywithdomestic lawandinternationalobligations,takeeffectivemeasurestopromotetolerance,understanding, equality of opportunity and respect for the fundamental human rights ofmigrantworkersandadopt,iftheyhavenotalreadydoneso,measuresthatwouldprohibitacts that constitute incitement to violence based on national, racial, ethnic or religiousdiscrimination,hostilityorhatred.

(...)

28

COMMITMENTS

Document of the Fourth Meeting of the CSCE Council of Ministers

30 November – 1 December 1993, Rome

CSCE and the New Europe – Our Security is Indivisible

Decisions of the Rome Council Meeting

IV. The Human Dimension

(6) (...)TheMinistersexpressedtheirappreciationof theworkcarriedoutat theSeminaron Free Media to stimulate editorially independent broadcast media and a free press.The reiterated their commitment to safeguard freedom of expression, a basic right, thatstressedthenecessityof independentmediaforafreeandopensociety.TothisendtheMinistersdecidedthatbetteruseshouldbemadeoftheCSCEhumandimensioninstrumentstopromoteopenanddiversemedia, including exploring thepossibility of utilizingCSCEmissions.

(...)

X. Declaration on Aggressive Nationalism, Racism, Chauvanism, Xenophobia and Anti-Semitism

(1)Recalling their decision takenat theStockholmCouncilMeeting, theMinisters notedwithdeepconcernthegrowingmanifestationsofaggressivenationalism,suchasterritorialexpansionism, as well as racism, chauvinism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism. These rundirectlycountertotheprinciplesandcommitmentsoftheCSCE.

(2)TheMinistersalsonotedthatthesephenomenacanleadtoviolence,secessionismbytheuseofforceandethnicstrife,andintheirworstinstancestothebarbaricpracticesofmassdeportation,ethniccleansingandviolenceagainstinnocentcivilians.

(3)Aggressivenationalism,racism,chauvinism,xenophobiaandanti-semitismcreateethnic,politicalandsocialtensionswithinandbetweenStates.Theyalsoundermineinternationalstabilityandworldwideeffortstoplaceuniversalhumanrightsonafirmfoundation.

(...)

29

COMMITMENTS

CSCE Budapest Document 1994 Towards a Genuine Partnership in a New Era(SummitofHeadsofStateorGovernment)

5-6 December 1994, Budapest

Budapest Decisions

(...)

VIII. Human Dimension

(...)

Tolerance and non-discrimination

(25) The participating States condemn manifestations of intolerance, and especially ofaggressivenationalism,racism,chauvinism,xenophobiaandanti-Semitism,andwillcontinueto promote effective measures aimed at their eradication. They request the ODIHR tocontinuetopayspecialattentiontothesephenomena,collectinginformationontheirvariousmanifestations in participating States. They will seek to strengthen or adopt appropriatelegislationtothisendandtakethenecessarymeasurestoensurethatexistinglegislationiseffectivelyimplemented,inawaythatwoulddetermanifestationsofthesephenomena.Theyalsostressthatactiontocombatthesephenomenashouldbeseenasanintegralpartofintegrationpolicyandeducation.

(...)

Freedom of expression/Free media

(36)TheparticipatingStatesreaffirmthatfreedomofexpressionisafundamentalhumanrightandabasiccomponentofademocraticsociety.Inthisrespect,independentandpluralisticmediaareessential toa freeandopensocietyandaccountablesystemsofgovernment.Theytakeastheirguidingprinciplethattheywillsafeguardthisright.

(37)Theycondemnallattacksonandharassmentofjournalistsandwillendeavortoholdthosedirectlyresponsibleforsuchattacksandharassmentaccountable.

(38)Theyfurthernotethatfomentinghatredandethnictensionthroughthemedia,especiallybygovernments,canserveasanearlywarningofconflict.(...)

30

COMMITMENTS

Lisbon Document 1996(SummitofHeadsofStateorGovernment)

2-3 December 1996, Lisbon

Lisbon Summit Declaration

(...)

(9) The OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security requires improvement in theimplementationofallcommitments in thehumandimension, inparticularwith respect tohumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms.ThiswillfurtheranchorthecommonvaluesofafreeanddemocraticsocietyinallparticipatingStates,whichisanessentialfoundationforourcommonsecurity.Amongtheacuteproblemswithinthehumandimension,thecontinuingviolationsofhumanrights,suchasinvoluntarymigration,andthelackoffulldemocratization,threats to independent media, electoral fraud, manifestations of aggressive nationalism,racism, chauvinism, xenophobia andanti-Semitism, continue to endanger stability in theOSCEregion.Wearecommittedtocontinuingtoaddresstheseproblems.

(...)

(11)Freedomofthepressandmediaareamongthebasicprerequisitesfortrulydemocraticand civil societies. In the Helsinki Final Act, we have pledged ourselves to respect thisprinciple. There is a need to strengthen the implementation of OSCE commitments inthefieldofthemedia,takingintoaccount,asappropriate,theworkofother internationalorganizations.WethereforetaskthePermanentCounciltoconsiderwaystoincreasethefocus on implementation of OSCE commitments in the field of the media, as well as toelaborate a mandate for the appointment of an OSCE representative on freedom of themediatobesubmittednotlaterthantothe1997 MinisterialCouncil.

(...)

31

COMMITMENTS

Decision No. 193. Establishment of the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Mandate of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (PC.DEC/193)*

5 November 1997, Vienna

(1)TheparticipatingStatesreaffirmtheprinciplesandcommitmentstheyhaveadheredtointhefieldoffreemedia.Theyrecallinparticularthatfreedomofexpressionisafundamentalandinternationallyrecognizedhumanrightandabasiccomponentofademocraticsocietyand that free, independentandpluralisticmediaareessential toa freeandopensocietyandaccountablesystemsofgovernment.Bearinginmindtheprinciplesandcommitmentstheyhave subscribed towithin theOSCE, and fully committed to the implementationofparagraph11oftheLisbonSummitDeclaration,theparticipatingStatesdecidetoestablish,under the aegis of thePermanentCouncil, anOSCERepresentativeonFreedomof theMedia.TheobjectiveistostrengthentheimplementationofrelevantOSCEprinciplesandcommitmentsaswellastoimprovetheeffectivenessofconcertedactionbytheparticipatingStates based on their common values. The participating States confirm that they willco-operate fullywith theOSCERepresentativeonFreedomof theMedia.HeorshewillassisttheparticipatingStates,inaspiritofco-operation,intheircontinuingcommitmenttothefurtheringoffree,independentandpluralisticmedia.

(2)BasedonOSCEprinciplesandcommitments,theOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediawillobserverelevantmediadevelopmentsinallparticipatingStatesandwill,onthisbasis,andincloseco-ordinationwiththeChairman-in-Office,advocateandpromotefullcompliancewithOSCEprinciplesandcommitmentsregardingfreedomofexpressionandfreemedia.Inthisrespectheorshewillassumeanearly-warningfunction.Heorshewilladdressseriousproblemscausedby,interalia,obstructionofmediaactivitiesandunfavorableworkingconditions for journalists.Heorshewillcloselyco-operatewith theparticipatingStates, thePermanentCouncil, theOffice forDemocratic InstitutionsandHumanRights(ODIHR),theHighCommissioneronNationalMinoritiesand,whereappropriate,otherOSCEbodies,aswellaswithnationalandinternationalmediaassociations.

(3) The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media will concentrate, as outlined inthis paragraph, on rapid response to serious non-compliance with OSCE principles andcommitmentsbyparticipatingStatesinrespectoffreedomofexpressionandfreemedia.Inthecaseofanallegationofseriousnon-compliancetherewith,theOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediawillseekdirectcontacts,inanappropriatemanner,withtheparticipatingStateandwithotherpartiesconcerned,assessthefacts,assisttheparticipatingState,andcontributetotheresolutionoftheissue.HeorshewillkeeptheChairman-in-Officeinformed

32

COMMITMENTS

abouthisorheractivitiesandreporttothePermanentCouncilontheirresults,andonhisorherobservationsandrecommendations.

(4)TheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediadoesnotexerciseajuridicalfunction,norcanhisorherinvolvementinanywayprejudgenationalorinternationallegalproceedingsconcerningallegedhuman rights violations.Equally, nationalor internationalproceedingsconcerningallegedhumanrightsviolationswillnotnecessarilyprecludetheperformanceofhisorhertasksasoutlinedinthismandate.

(5)TheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediamaycollectandreceiveinformationonthesituationofthemediafromallbonafidesources.Heorshewill inparticulardrawon information and assessments provided by the ODIHR. The OSCE Representative onFreedomoftheMediawillsupporttheODIHRinassessingconditionsforthefunctioningoffree,independentandpluralisticmediabefore,duringandafterelections.

(6)TheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediamayatalltimescollectandreceivefromparticipatingStatesandotherinterestedparties(e.g.fromorganizationsorinstitutions,from media and their representatives, and from relevant NGOs) requests, suggestionsandcomments related to strengtheningand furtherdevelopingcompliancewith relevantOSCE principles and commitments, including alleged serious instances of intolerancebyparticipatingStateswhichutilizemedia in violationof theprinciples referred to in theBudapestDocument,ChapterVIII,paragraph25,andintheDecisionsoftheRomeCouncilMeeting,ChapterX.Heorshemayforwardrequests,suggestionsandcommentstothePermanentCouncil,recommendingfurtheractionwhereappropriate.

(7)TheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediawillalsoroutinelyconsultwiththeChairman-in-OfficeandreportonaregularbasistothePermanentCouncil.Heorshemaybe invited to thePermanentCouncil topresent reports,within thismandate,onspecificmatters related to freedom of expression and free, independent and pluralistic media.He or she will report annually to the Implementation Meeting on Human DimensionIssues or to the OSCE Review Meeting on the status of the implementation of OSCEprinciplesandcommitmentsinrespectoffreedomofexpressionandfreemediainOSCEparticipatingStates.

(8) The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media will not communicate with andwillnotacknowledgecommunicationsfromanypersonororganizationwhichpracticesorpubliclycondonesterrorismorviolence.

(9) The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media will be an eminent internationalpersonalitywithlong-standingrelevantexperiencefromwhomanimpartialperformanceofthefunctionwouldbeexpected.IntheperformanceofhisorherdutytheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediawillbeguidedbyhisorherindependentandobjectiveassessmentregardingthespecificparagraphscomposingthismandate.

33

COMMITMENTS

(10)TheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediawillconsiderseriouscasesarisinginthecontextofthismandateandoccurringintheparticipatingStateofwhichheorsheisanationalorresidentifallthepartiesdirectlyinvolvedagree,includingtheparticipatingStateconcerned.Intheabsenceofsuchagreement,thematterwillbereferredtotheChairman-in-Office,whomayappointaSpecialRepresentativetoaddressthisparticularcase.

(11)TheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomof theMediawillco-operate,onthebasisofregularcontacts,withrelevantinternationalorganizations,includingtheUnitedNationsanditsspecializedagenciesandtheCouncilofEurope,withaviewtoenhancingco-ordinationandavoidingduplication.

(12)TheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediawillbeappointedinaccordancewithOSCEproceduresbytheMinisterialCouncilupontherecommendationoftheChairman-in-OfficeafterconsultationwiththeparticipatingStates.Heorshewillserveforaperiodofthreeyearswhichmaybeextendedunderthesameprocedureforonefurthertermofthreeyears.

(13)TheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediawillbeestablishedandstaffedinaccordancewiththismandateandwithOSCEStaffRegulations.TheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMedia,andhisorherOffice,willbefundedbytheparticipatingStatesthroughtheOSCEbudgetaccordingtoOSCEfinancialregulations.DetailswillbeworkedoutbytheinformalFinancialCommitteeandapprovedbythePermanentCouncil.

(14)TheOfficeoftheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediawillbelocatedinVienna.

* Annex to PC.DEC/193. Interpretative Statement under paragraph 79 (Chapter 6) of the Final Recommendations of the Helsinki Consultations5 November 1997, Vienna

BythedelegationofFrance:

“*ThefollowingMemberStatesoftheCouncilofEuropereaffirmtheircommitmenttotheprovisionsrelatingtofreedomofexpression,includingthefreedomofthemedia,intheEuropeanConventiononHumanRights,towhichtheyareallcontractingparties.

Intheirview,theOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediashouldalsobeguidedbytheseprovisions inthefulfillmentofhis/hermandate.

OurcountriesinviteallotherpartiestotheEuropeanConventiononHumanRightstosubscribetothisstatement.

Albania,Germany,Austria,Belgium,Bulgaria,Cyprus,Denmark,Spain,Estonia,Finland,France,UnitedKingdom,Greece,Hungary,Ireland,Italy,Latvia,Liechtenstein,Lithuania,Luxembourg,Malta,Moldova,Norway,Netherlands,Poland,Portugal,Romania,SlovakRepublic,Slovenia,Sweden,CzechRepublic,Turkey.”

34

COMMITMENTS

Attachment 1. Interpretative Statement under Paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the Rules of Procedure of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (MC.DEC/1/13)6 March 2013, ViennaBythedelegationoftheRussianFederation:

“WhilejoiningtheconsensusontheOSCEMinisterialCouncildecisionontheextensionofthemandateoftheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMedia,Ms.DunjaMijatović,forasecondthree-yearterm,weshouldliketomakethefollowingstatement.

WetakethepositionthattheactivitiesoftheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediashouldbecarriedoutinstrictaccordancewiththeprinciplesofimpartiality,objectivityandtransparencyinlinewiththemandateestablishedbyPermanentCouncilDecisionNo.193of5November1997.WeexpecttheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediatotakeabalancedandimpartialapproachtothedischargeofhercommissionwithregardtotheentireOSCEarea.ItisourconvictionthattheRepresentative’staskistomonitorthatfreedomofexpressionisensuredinthemedia,andthistaskdoesnotextendtootherareasofactivity.

The Russian Federation assumes that the term “media” used in OSCE documents means “mass media”, whichincludesformssuchasprintedperiodicals(press),televisionandradiobroadcastingandelectronicmedia,includingthosedisseminatedviatheInternet.Otherdefinitionsofthemediaconnectedwithachangeinthewaysofproducing,sharinganddisseminatingmassinformationandtheappearanceofnewtypesandmeansofcommunicationrequireadditionalagreementandapprovalbyalltheparticipatingStates.

Inthelightoftheabove,theRussianFederationurgestheOSCEparticipatingStatesandtheChairmanshiptobeginworkonupdatingthemandateoftheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMedia,whichwasadoptedmorethan15yearsago,withaviewtobringingitintolinewiththepresent-dayrealitiesandtasksinthisarea.

IwouldaskthatthisstatementbeattachedtotheMinisterialCouncildecisionadoptedandtothejournaloftoday’smeetingofthePermanentCouncil.”

Attachment 2. Interpretative Statement under Paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the Rules of Procedure of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (MC.DEC/1/13)6 March 2013, Vienna

BythedelegationoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica:

InconnectionwithPC.DEC/1074,andunderparagraphIV.1(A)6oftheOSCERulesofProcedure,theUnitedStateswishestomakethefollowinginterpretivestatement:

“TheUnitedStatesdisagreeswiththeinterpretivestatementjustmadebythedelegationoftheRussianFederation.Wewishtoexpressourstrongestsupport fortheeffortsoftheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediatodefendandpromotefreedomofexpressionthroughallmedia,includingtheInternetandothernewtechnologies.ThisapproachisabsolutelyconsistentwiththeHelsinkiFinalAct,whichcallsuponparticipatingStatesto‘promoteandencouragetheeffectiveexerciseofcivil,political,economic,social,culturalandotherrightsandfreedoms,’andwiththemandateoftheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediato‘advocateandpromotefullcompliancewithOSCEprinciplesandcommitmentsregardingfreedomofexpressionandfreemedia.’Werejectanycalltoparseorrestrictthisbroadmandate,or indeedanyefforttoqualifyestablishedOSCEHumanDimensioncommitmentsthatprotectandpromotethefundamentalfreedomsofcitizensandmembersofcivilsocietygroupsthroughouttheregion.”Irequestthatthisinterpretivestatementbeattachedtothedecisionandincludedinthejournaloftheday.

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COMMITMENTS

Vienna Document 1999 of the Negotiations on Confidence- and Security-Building Measures Adopted at the 269th Plenary Meeting the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC.JOUR/275)

16 November 1999, Istanbul

(...)

(8)TheparticipatingStateshaveadoptedthefollowing:

(...)

VI. OBSERVATION OF CERTAIN MILITARY ACTIVITIES

(...)

(59) The participating States are encouraged to permit media representatives from allparticipatingStatestoattendobservedmilitaryactivities inaccordancewithaccreditationproceduressetdownbythehostState.Insuchinstances,mediarepresentativesfromallparticipatingStateswillbetreatedwithoutdiscriminationandgivenequalaccesstothosefacetsoftheactivityopentomediarepresentatives.

(59.1)Thepresenceofmediarepresentativeswillnotinterferewiththeobserverscarryingouttheirfunctionsnorwiththeflowofthemilitaryactivity.

(...)

36

COMMITMENTS

Istanbul Document 1999(SummitofHeadsofStateorGovernment)

18-19 November 1999, Istanbul

Charter for European Security

(1)Atthedawnofthetwenty-firstcenturywe,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentoftheOSCEparticipatingStates,declareourfirmcommitmenttoafree,democraticandmoreintegratedOSCEareawhereparticipatingStatesareatpeacewitheachother,and individualsandcommunities live in freedom,prosperityandsecurity.To implement thiscommitment,wehavedecidedtotakeanumberofnewsteps.(...)

III. Our Common Response

(...)

SOLIDARITYANDPARTNERSHIP

(14)Peaceandsecurity inour region isbestguaranteedby thewillingnessandabilityofeachparticipatingStatetoupholddemocracy,theruleoflawandrespectforhumanrights.We individually confirm our willingness to comply fully with our commitments. We alsohaveajointresponsibilitytoupholdOSCEprinciples.Wearethereforedeterminedtoco-operatewithintheOSCEandwithitsinstitutionsandrepresentativesandstandreadytouseOSCEinstruments,toolsandmechanisms.Wewillco-operate inaspiritofsolidarityandpartnership inacontinuingreviewof implementation.Todaywecommitourselvesto jointmeasuresbasedonco-operation,both in theOSCEand through thoseorganizationsofwhichwearemembers,inordertoofferassistancetoparticipatingStatestoenhancetheircompliancewithOSCEprinciplesandcommitments.Wewillstrengthenexistingco-operativeinstrumentsanddevelopnewonesinordertorespondefficientlytorequestsforassistancefromparticipatingStates.WewillexplorewaystofurtherincreasetheeffectivenessoftheOrganizationtodealwithcasesofclear,grossandcontinuingviolationsofthoseprinciplesandcommitments.(...)

Our Institutions

(...)

(18)TheOfficeforDemocraticInstitutionsandHumanRights(ODIHR),theHighCommissioneronNationalMinorities(HCNM)andtheRepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediaareessential

37

COMMITMENTS

instrumentsinensuringrespectforhumanrights,democracyandtheruleoflaw.(...)

We commit ourselves to giving the OSCE institutions our full support. We emphasizethe importance of close co-ordination among the OSCE institutions, as well as our fieldoperations,inordertomakeoptimaluseofourcommonresources.WewilltakeintoaccounttheneedforgeographicdiversityandgenderbalancewhenrecruitingpersonneltoOSCEinstitutionsandfieldoperations.(...)

The Human Dimension

(...)

(19)Wereaffirmthatrespectforhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms,democracyandtheruleoflawisatthecoreoftheOSCE’scomprehensiveconceptofsecurity.Wecommitourselvestocountersuchthreatstosecurityasviolationsofhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms,includingthefreedomofthought,conscience,religionorbeliefandmanifestationsofintolerance,aggressivenationalism,racism,chauvinism,xenophobiaandanti-semitism.(...)

(26)Wereaffirmtheimportanceofindependentmediaandthefreeflowofinformationaswellasthepublic’saccesstoinformation.Wecommitourselvestotakeallnecessarystepstoensurethebasicconditionsforfreeandindependentmediaandunimpededtransborderandintra-Stateflowofinformation,whichweconsidertobeanessentialcomponentofanydemocratic,freeandopensociety.

(27)Non-governmentalorganizations (NGOs)canperformavital role in thepromotionofhumanrights,democracyandtheruleoflaw.Theyareanintegralcomponentofastrongcivilsociety.WepledgeourselvestoenhancetheabilityofNGOstomaketheirfullcontributiontothe furtherdevelopmentofcivilsocietyandrespect forhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms.(...)

IV. Our Common Instruments

Enhancing Our Dialogue

(...)

(36) Reflecting our spirit of solidarity and partnership, we will also enhance our politicaldialogue inorder toofferassistance toparticipatingStates, therebyensuringcompliancewithOSCEcommitments.Toencouragethisdialogue,wehavedecided,inaccordancewith

38

COMMITMENTS

establishedrulesandpractices,tomakeincreaseduseofOSCEinstruments,including: • DispatchingdelegationsfromtheOSCEinstitutions,withtheparticipationofother

relevant international organizations, when appropriate, to provide advice andexpertiseforreformoflegislationandpractices;(...)

• Organizingtrainingprogrammesaimedatimprovingstandardsandpractices,interalia,withinthefieldsofhumanrights,democratizationandtheruleoflaw;

• Addressing matters regarding compliance with OSCE commitments at OSCEreviewmeetingsandconferences(...);

• Submitting such matters for consideration by the Permanent Council, inter alia,onthebasisofrecommendationsbytheOSCEinstitutionswithintheirrespectivemandates(...);

(...)

Istanbul Summit Declaration

(...)

(2)Today,we[theHeadsofStateorGovernmentoftheparticipatingStatesoftheOSCE]adopted a Charter for European Security in order to strengthen security and stability inourregionandimprovetheoperationalcapabilitiesofourOrganization.WetasktheOSCEPermanentCounciltotakethenecessarydecisionstoimplementpromptlythenewstepsagreedupon in thisCharter.Weneed thecontributionofastrengthenedOSCE tomeetthe risks and challenges facing the OSCE area, to improve human security and therebyto make a difference in the life of the individual, which is the aim of all our efforts. Wereiterateunreservedlyourcommitmenttorespecthumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsandtoabstainfromanyformofdiscrimination.Wealsoreiterateourrespectforinternationalhumanitarianlaw.

(...)

(27)Wecommitourselves toensuringthe freedomof themediaasabasiccondition forpluralistic and democratic societies. We are deeply concerned about the exploitation ofmediainareasofconflicttofomenthatredandethnictensionandtheuseoflegalrestrictionsandharassmenttodeprivecitizensoffreemedia.Weunderlinetheneedtosecurefreedomofexpression,which isanessentialelementofpoliticaldiscourse inanydemocracy.WesupporttheOfficeoftheRepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediainitseffortstopromotefreeandindependentmedia.

(...)

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COMMITMENTS

Decision No. 353. OSCE Action Plan for Gender Issues (PC.DEC/353)

1 June 2000, Vienna

(...)

EQUALITYOFWOMENANDMENINOSCEPARTICIPATINGSTATES

(...)

(7)RepresentativeonFreedomoftheMedia

TheRepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediawill:

• EncourageincreasedparticipationofwomeninmediathroughouttheOSCEarea; • Be alert to instances of intolerance by States which utilize media to advocate

violationofequalrightsforwomenandthepracticeofgenderdiscrimination.

(...)

40

COMMITMENTS

Document of the Ninth Meeting of the Ministerial Council

4 December 2001, Bucharest

The Bucharest Plan of Action for Combating Terrorism (Annex to MC(9).DEC/1)

(...)

(3)TheaimoftheActionPlanistoestablishaframeworkforcomprehensiveOSCEactiontobetakenbyparticipatingStatesandtheOrganizationasawholetocombatterrorism,fullyrespectinginternational law,includingtheinternational lawofhumanrightsandotherrelevantnormsofinternationallaw.

(...)

III. Preventive action against terrorism in the OSCE area

(11)Promotinghumanrights,toleranceandmulti-culturalism:ParticipatingStates/PermanentCouncil/ODIHR/HighCommissioneronNationalMinorities(HCNM)/RepresentativeonFreedomof theMedia:Willpromoteandenhance tolerance,co-existance and harmonious relations between ethnic, religious, linguistic and othergroupsaswellasconstructiveco-operationamongparticipatingStatesinthisregard.Willprovideearlywarningofandappropriateresponsestoviolence,intolerance,extremismanddiscriminationagainst thesegroupsand,at thesametime,promote their respect for theruleof law,democraticvaluesand individual freedoms.Willwork toensure thatpersonsbelongingtonationalminoritieshavetherightfreelytoexpress,preserveanddeveloptheirethnic,cultural,linguisticorreligiousidentity;

(12)RepresentativeonFreedomoftheMedia:Willconsiderdevelopingprojectsaimedatsupporting tolerance towardspeopleofotherconvictionsandbeliefs through theuseofthemedia.Willpromotemeasuresaimedatpreventingandfightingaggressivenationalism,racism,chauvinism,xenophobiaandanti-Semitisminthemedia.Willcontinuetoencouragepluralisticdebateandincreasedmediaattentiontopromotingtoleranceofethnic,religious,linguistic and cultural diversity and will, in this context, promote broad public access tomediaaswellasmonitorhatespeech.

(...)

(15)Addressingtheissueofprotracteddisplacement:ParticipatingStates/ODIHR/HCNM/Representative on Freedom of the Media: Will explore strengthened OSCE potential for

41

COMMITMENTS

contributing todurablesolutions,supportingandcloselyco-operatingwithother relevantorganizations,primarilytheOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees.Willcloselymonitorsituationsofprotracteddisplacement.

(...)

(23)RepresentativeonFreedomoftheMedia:Willco-operateinsupporting,onrequest,thedraftingoflegislationonthepreventionoftheabuseofinformationtechnologyforterroristpurposes,ensuringthatsuchlawsareconsistentwithcommitmentsregardingfreedomofexpressionandthefreeflowofinformation.

(...)

V. Decisions of the Bucharest Ministerial Council Meeting

Decision No. 5 by the Ministerial Council (MC(9).DEC/5)

TheMinisterialCouncil,

Reaffirmingitsconcernaboutmanifestationsofaggressivenationalism,racism,chauvinism,xenophobia,anti-semitismandviolentextremism,wherevertheymayoccur,

Reiterating itsdetermination to implementallOSCEcommitmentson takingmeasures inthisregard,

Calls on participating States to promote tolerance and non-discrimination also throughawarenessraisingcampaignsandeducation;

Calls on OSCE institutions, particularly the ODIHR, the High Commissioner on NationalMinorities,andtheRepresentativeonFreedomoftheMedia,topayincreasedattentiontomanifestations of aggressive nationalism, racism, chauvinism, xenophobia, anti-semitismand violent extremism, to countering intolerance and discrimination on the ground ofracialorethnicorigin, religious,politicalorotheropinionand to fostering respect for ruleof law,democraticvalues,humanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms, includingfreedomofexpression,thought,conscience,religionorbelief;

TasksthePermanentCounciltoconsiderdevelopingfurthermeasuresinthisregard.

(...)

42

COMMITMENTS

Document of the Tenth Meeting of the Ministerial Council

7 December 2002, Porto

OSCE Charter on Preventing and Combating Terrorism

TheOSCEparticipatingStates,firmlycommittedtothejointfightagainstterrorism,

(...)

(21) Acknowledge the positive role the media can play in promoting tolerance andunderstandingamongreligions,beliefs,culturesandpeoples,aswellasforraisingawarenessforthethreatofterrorism;

(22) Commit themselves to combat hate speech and to take the necessary measuresto prevent the abuse of the media and information technology for terrorist purposes,ensuringthatsuchmeasuresareconsistentwithdomesticandinternationallawandOSCEcommitments.

(...)

Decision No. 6. Tolerance and Non-Discrimination (MC(10).DEC/6)


Recallingtheprinciplesofhumanrightsandtheinherentdignityofthehumanbeing,freedomofthought,conscience,religionorbeliefthatunderpinthegeneralprovisionsoftheOSCEhumandimensioncommitments,

Recalling the Charter for European Security, Istanbul Summit 1999, which reaffirms fulladherencetotheCharteroftheUnitedNations,andtotheHelsinkiFinalAct,theCharterofParisandallotherOSCEdocuments,

Recalling Decision No. 5 by the Ministerial Council at its Ninth Meeting in Bucharestreaffirmingitsconcernaboutmanifestationofaggressivenationalism,racism,chauvinism,xenophobia,anti-Semitismandviolentextremism,wherevertheymayoccur,

Reiteratingthatdemocracyandprotectionofhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsareessentialsafeguardsof toleranceandnon-discriminationandconstitute important factorsforstability,security,co-operationandpeacefuldevelopmentthroughouttheentireOSCE

43

COMMITMENTS

region,andthatconverselytoleranceandnon-discriminationareimportantelementsinthepromotionofhumanrights,

Reaffirming the internationally recognized prohibition of discrimination, without adversedistinctionofanykind,suchasrace,colour,sex,language,religionorbelief,politicalorotheropinion,nationalorsocialorigin,property,birthorotherstatus,

RecallingthecontinuingworkoftheOSCEstructuresandinstitutionsinthefieldofpromotinghumanrights,tolerance,non-discriminationandmulticulturalism,inparticularbythehumandimensionmeetingsandactivities,projectsandprogrammesincludingthoseofparticipatingStates,

Stressing the positive role of multicultural and inter-religious dialogue in creating betterunderstandingamongnationsandpeoples,

Notingthatpromotingtoleranceandnon-discriminationcanalsocontributetoeliminatingthebasisforhatespeechandaggressivenationalism,racism,chauvinism,xenophobia,anti-Semitismandviolentextremism,

Recognizing the responsibility of participating States for promoting tolerance and non-discrimination,

1.(a) Condemns in strongest terms all manifestations of aggressive nationalism, racism,chauvinism,xenophobia,anti-Semitismandviolentextremism,aswellashatespeechandoccurrencesofdiscriminationbasedonreligionorbelief;

(b) Undertakes to further promote multicultural, interethnic and inter-religious dialogue inwhichgovernmentsandcivilsocietywillbeencouragedtoparticipateactively;

(c)Alsoundertakestofurtherpromotetherightsofpersonsbelongingtonationalminorities;

(2)Decidestointensifyeffortstomaintainandstrengthentoleranceandnon-discrimination,withtheassistanceofOSCEinstitutionsandinco-operationwithrelevantinternationalorganizationsandcivilsociety,bysuchmeansastheexchangesofinformationandbestpractice;

(3) Calls on participating States, which have not yet done so, to consider ratifying theinternational instruments, which address the problem of discrimination and calls for fullcompliancewiththeobligationsassumedtherein;

(4) Commits to take appropriate measures, in conformity with respective constitutionalsystems,atnational,regionalandlocallevelstopromotetoleranceandnon-discriminationaswellastocounterprejudicesandmisrepresentation,particularlyinthefieldofeducation,cultureandinformation;

44

COMMITMENTS

(5)Condemns,inparticular,discriminationonreligiousgroundsandundertakestoendeavourtopreventandprotectagainstattacksdirectedatanyreligiousgroup,whetheronpersonsoronplacesofworshiporreligiousobjects;

(6)Condemnsinparticulartherecentincreaseinanti-SemiticincidentsintheOSCEarea,recognizingtherolethattheexistenceofanti-Semitismhasplayedthroughouthistoryasamajorthreattofreedom;

(7)AlsocondemnstherecentincreaseinactsofdiscriminationandviolenceagainstMuslimsin the OSCE area and rejects firmly the identification of terrorism and extremism with aparticularreligionorculture;

(8)Decidesto takestrongpublicpositionsagainsthatespeechandothermanifestationsof aggressive nationalism, racism, chauvinism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and violentextremism,aswellasoccurrencesofdiscriminationbasedonreligionorbelief;

(9)CallsonrelevantauthoritiesofparticipatingStatestoinvestigatepromptlyandimpartiallyactsofviolence,especiallywheretherearereasonablegroundstosuspectthattheyweremotivatedbyaggressivenationalism, racism,chauvinism,xenophobia,anti-Semitismandviolent extremism,aswell as attacksmotivatedbyhatredagainst aparticular religionorbelief,andtoprosecutethoseresponsibleinaccordancewithdomesticlawandconsistentwithrelevantinternationalstandardsofhumanrights;

(10)TasksthePermanentCounciltoconsiderfurtherenhancementoftheContactPointonRomaandSintiIssuesintheOfficeforDemocraticInstitutionsandHumanRights(ODIHR);

(11) Urges the convening of separately designated human dimension events on issuesaddressed in this decision, including on the topics of anti-Semitism, discrimination andracismandxenophobia;

(12) Tasks the Chairmanship-in-Office and the Permanent Council in close co-operationwiththeODIHR,theHighCommissioneronNationalMinoritiesandtheRepresentativeonFreedom of the Media to ensure an effective follow-up of the present decision, throughincreaseduseoftoolsalreadyavailabletotheOSCE,includingtheannualhumandimensionmeetingsandseminars.

45

COMMITMENTS

Document of the Eleventh Meeting of the Ministerial Council

1-2 December 2003, Maastricht

OSCE Strategy to Address Threats to Security and Stability in the Twenty-First Century

(...)

Threats to security and stability in the twenty-first century

(...)

(4) Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule oflaw is at thecoreof theOSCE’scomprehensiveconceptof security.Strongdemocraticinstitutions and the rule of law play an important role in preventing threats from arising.Weakgovernance,andafailurebyStatestosecureadequateandfunctioningdemocraticinstitutionsthatcanpromotestability,mayinthemselvesconstituteabreedinggroundforarangeofthreats.Equally,systematicviolationsofhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms,includingtherightsofpersonsbelongingtonationalminorities,cangiverisetoawiderangeofpotentialthreats.

(...)

The OSCE response

(...)

(20)TheOSCEwillcontinuetobeanactiveplayeracrossitsregion,usingitsinstitutions–theOfficeforDemocraticInstitutionsandHumanRights(ODIHR),theHighCommissioneronNationalMinorities(HCNM),andtheRepresentativeonFreedomoftheMedia(RFM)–itsfieldoperationsanditsSecretariattothefull.TheyareimportantinstrumentsinassistingallparticipatingStates to implement theircommitments, including respect forhuman rights,democracyand the ruleof law. Inall relevantactivities,possibilities forstrengtheningco-operation with the Parliamentary Assembly, and through it, national parliaments will beactivelypursued.

(...)

(27) Conflict prevention and post-conflict rehabilitation involve substantial efforts by theOrganizationincloseco-operationwithparticipatingStatesinordertopromoteandassistin

46

COMMITMENTS

buildingdemocraticinstitutionsandtheruleoflaw,interalia,bysupportingcapacitybuildingandhelpingtostrengthenauthoritiesatalllevelsandparliamentarystructures,independentjudiciariesandfreecivilsocietiesandmedia.

Addressing terrorism and threats arising from other criminal activities

Addressing threats related to discrimination and intolerance

(...)

(37)(...)Whilefullyrespectingfreedomofexpression,theOSCEwillstrivetocombathatecrime which can be fuelled by racist, xenophobic and anti-Semitic propaganda on theInternet.

(...)

OSCE Strategy Document for the Economic and Environmental Dimension

(2)Ourresponseandaction

(...)

(2.2)Strengtheninggoodgovernance

(...)

Promoting transparency and combating corruption

(2.2.4) Transparency in public affairs is an essential condition for the accountability ofStatesandfortheactiveparticipationofcivilsocietyineconomicprocesses.Transparencyincreasesthepredictabilityof,andconfidenceinaneconomythatisfunctioningonthebasisofadequate legislationandwith full respect for theruleof law.Freeandpluralisticmediawhichenjoymaximumeditorialindependencefrompoliticalandfinancialpressurehaveanimportantroletoplayinensuringsuchtransparency.

(2.2.5)Wewillmakeourgovernmentsmoretransparentbyfurtherdevelopingprocessesandinstitutionsforprovidingtimelyinformation,includingreliablestatistics,aboutissuesofpublicinterestintheeconomicandenvironmentalfieldstothemedia,thebusinesscommunity,civilsocietyandcitizens,withaviewtopromotingawell-informedandresponsivedialogue.Thisisessentialfordecision-makingwhichisresponsivetochangingconditionsandtotheneedsandwishesofthepopulation.

(...)

47

COMMITMENTS

Decision No. 3/03. Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area Annex (MC.DEC/3/03)


(...)

DecidestoendorsetheActionPlanonImprovingtheSituationofRomaandSintiwithintheOSCEArea,adoptedbythePermanentCouncil initsDecisionNo.566on27November2003,andannexedtothisDecision.

(...)

III. Combating racism and discrimination

(...)

Mass MediaRecommendedactionbyparticipatingStates:

(...)

(37.)Inordertofosterfreedomofexpression,encouragetrainingofRomaandSintijournalistsandtheiremploymentinmediaoutletswithaviewtofacilitatingwideraccesstothemediaforRomaandSintipeople.

(...)

RecommendedactionbyOSCEinstitutionsandstructures:

(39) In co-operation with the ODIHR as well as relevant international organizations, theRepresentativeonFreedomof theMedia (RFOM) shouldconsiderhow theOSCEcouldcontribute to the establishment of a European Roma Radio which would broadcastthroughout Europe. The ODIHR and the RFOM should organize public debates, anti-discriminationcampaignsandjointtrainingprogrammeswithandforthemedia.

(40)TheRFOMshouldconsiderfacilitatingtrainingseminarsforRomajournalists.

(41)TheODIHR-CPRSI2and theRFOMwillorganize round tableswith journalistson theimagethatRomaandSinticommunitieshaveinsociety.

(42) The HCNM will continue to elaborate and disseminate guidelines for policy-makers

48

COMMITMENTS

ontheuseoftheStatebroadcastmediainmulticulturalcommunities,aimed,interalia,atencouragingsupportforminoritybroadcasters,includingRomaandSintibroadcasters,andimprovingtheiraccesstothemedia.

(...)

Decision No. 4/03. Tolerance and Non-Discrimination (MC.DEC/4/03)


(...)

(8)Recognizestheneedtocombathatecrimes,whichcanbefuelledbyracist,xenophobic,andanti-Semiticpropagandaonthe internet.WewelcometheofferbyFrancetohost inParisin2004aforward-lookingevent,fullyrespectingtherightstofreedomofinformationandexpression,ontherelationshipbetweenpropagandaontheinternetandhatecrimes;

(...)

(10)EnsurestheadvancementoftheimplementationoftheOSCEcommitmentsonnationalminorities,andrecognizestheimportanceoftherecommendationsoftheHighCommissioneronNationalMinoritiesoneducation,publicparticipation,andlanguage,includingonitsuseinbroadcastmedia,andtherelevantrecommendationsoftheRepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediainthisregard;

(...)

(16) Tasks the Permanent Council, the ODIHR, the HCNM and the RFoM, in close co-operation with the Chairmanship-in-Office, with ensuring an effective follow-up to therelevantprovisionsofthepresentdecision,andrequeststhePermanentCounciltoaddresstheoperationalandfundingmodalitiesfortheimplementationofthisdecision.

(...)

2ContactPointforRomaandSinti(Gypsies)issues.

49

COMMITMENTS

Document of the Twelfth Meeting of the Ministerial Council

7 December 2004, Sofia

(...)

IV. Decisions of the Ministerial Council

Decision No. 3/04. Combating the use of the Internet for Terrorist Purposes (MC.DEC/3/04)


(...)

Decides thatparticipatingStateswillexchange informationon theuseof the Internet forterrorist purposes and identify possible strategies to combat this threat, while ensuringrespectforinternationalhumanrightsobligationsandstandards,includingthoseconcerningtherightstoprivacyandfreedomofopinionandexpression;

(...)

Decision No. 12/04. Tolerance and Non-Discrimination (MC.DEC/12/04)


(...)

(2)EndorsesthePermanentCouncilDecisionsonCombatingAnti-Semitism(PC.DEC/607)and on Tolerance and the Fight against Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination (PC.DEC/621)andthePermanentCouncilDecisiononPromotingToleranceandMediaFreedomontheInternet(PC.DEC/633),annexedtothisdecision;

(3) Further decides to intensify efforts for the implementation of these three decisions,which include commitments in the fields of, inter alia, education, media, legislation, lawenforcement,migrationandreligiousfreedom;

(...)

50

COMMITMENTS

Tolerance and the Fight Against Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination (PC.DEC/621 of 29 July 2004)Annex to MC.DEC/12/04

ThePermanentCouncil,

(...)

RecallingtheMaastrichtMinisterialCouncilDecisiononToleranceandNon-Discrimination(MC.DEC/4/03),theOSCEConferenceonanti-SemitisminBerlinon28and29April2004aswellas theOSCEMeetingon theRelationshipbetweenRacist,Xenophobicandanti-SemiticPropagandaontheInternetandHateCrimesinParison16and17June2004andtheirresults,

(...)

Decides,

(1)TheparticipatingStatescommitto:

• Consider enacting or strengthening, where appropriate, legislation that prohibitsdiscriminationbasedon,or incitementtohatecrimesmotivatedby,race,colour,sex,language,religion,politicalorotheropinion,nationalorsocialorigin,property,birthorotherstatus;(...)

• Combathatecrimes,whichcanbefuelledbyracist,xenophobicandanti-Semiticpropaganda in themediaandonthe Internet,andappropriatelydenouncesuchcrimespubliclywhentheyoccur;(...)

• Encouragethepromotionoftolerance,dialogue,respectandmutualunderstandingthroughtheMedia,includingtheInternet;(...)

Promoting Tolerance and Media Freedom on the Internet (PC.Dec/633 of 11 November 2004)Annex to MC.DEC/12/04


ReaffirmingthecommitmentsmadeattheMinisterialCouncilMeetinginMaastrichttocombathatecrimes,whichcanbefuelledbyracist,xenophobicandanti-SemiticpropagandaontheInternet,

Reaffirming the importance of fully respecting the right to the freedoms of opinion andexpression,whichincludethefreedomtoseek,receiveandimpartinformation,whicharevitaltodemocracyandinfactarestrengthenedbytheInternet,

51

COMMITMENTS

Recallingthecommitmentstocollectandmaintainreliableinformationandstatisticsabouthate crimes motivated by racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and related discriminationandintolerance,toreportsuchinformationperiodicallytotheOSCEOfficeforDemocraticInstitutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and to make this information available to thepublic,ascontainedinthePermanentCouncilDecisionsonCombatingAnti-Semitism(PC.DEC/607)andonToleranceandtheFightagainstRacism,XenophobiaandDiscrimination(PC.DEC/621),

Stressing the importance of promoting tolerance, mutual respect, dialogue andunderstanding, includingthroughtheMediaandtheInternetwithinstrategiesbasedonavarietyofmeasures,

Decidesthat:

(1)ParticipatingStatesshouldtakeactiontoensurethattheInternetremainsanopenandpublicforumforfreedomofopinionandexpression,asenshrinedintheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRights,andtofosteraccesstotheInternetbothinhomesandinschools;

(...)

(4) The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media will continue an active role inpromotingbothfreedomofexpressionandaccesstotheInternetandwillcontinuetoobserverelevantdevelopmentsinalltheparticipatingStates.TheRepresentativewilladvocateandpromoteOSCEprinciplesandcommitments.Thiswill includeearlywarningwhenlawsorothermeasuresprohibitingspeechmotivatedbyracist,xenophobic,anti-Semiticorotherrelatedbiasareenforcedinadiscriminatoryorselectivemannerforpoliticalpurposeswhichcanleadtoimpedingtheexpressionofalternativeopinionsandviews;

(5)ParticipatingStatesshouldstudytheeffectivenessoflawsandothermeasuresregulatingInternetcontent,specificallywithregardtotheireffectontherateofracist,xenophobicandanti-Semiticcrimes;

(6) Participating States should encourage and support analytically rigorous studies on thepossiblerelationshipbetweenracist,xenophobicandanti-SemiticspeechontheInternetandthecommissionofcrimesmotivatedbyracist,xenophobic,anti-Semiticorotherrelatedbias;

Attachment to the PC.DEC/633InterpretativeStatementunderParagraph79(Chapter6)oftheFinalRecommendationsoftheHelsinkiConsultations

BytheDelegationofTurkey:

“IwouldliketopointoutthatTurkeyjoinsconsensusonthedecision‘OnPromotingToleranceandMediaFreedomontheInternet’withtheunderstandingthatthemeasuresforeseenthereinaretobeimplementedwithinthemeansandresourcesavailabletotheparticipatingStates.

IwouldliketorequestthatthisinterpretativestatementbeattachedtotheJournaloftheDay.”

52

COMMITMENTS

(7) The OSCE will foster exchanges directed toward identifying effective approaches foraddressing the issue of racist, xenophobic and anti-Semitic propaganda on the Internetthat do not endanger the freedom of information and expression. The OSCE will createopportunities, includingduring theannualHumanDimension ImplementationMeeting, topromotesharingofbestpractices;

(9)ParticipatingStatesshouldwelcomecontinuedandincreasedeffortsbyNGOstomonitorthe Internet for racist, xenophobic andanti-Semitic content, aswell asNGOs’ efforts toshareandpublicizetheirfindings.

OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender EqualityAnnex to MC.DEC/14/04 2004

(...)

(1)Respect forhumanrightsand fundamental freedoms,democracy,andtheruleof lawisatthecoreoftheOSCE’scomprehensiveconceptofsecurity.TheCharterforEuropeanSecurityadoptedattheOSCEIstanbulSummitdeclaresthat:“Thefullandequalexercisebywomenoftheirhumanrights isessential toachieveamorepeaceful,prosperousanddemocraticOSCEarea.Wearecommittedtomakingequalitybetweenmenandwomenanintegralpartofourpolicies,bothatthelevelofourStatesandwithintheOrganization.”(...)

III. Promoting Gender Equality in the OSCE

(b) Mainstreaming a gender perspective into OSCE activities, policies, programmes andprojects.

(...)

(40)ThePressandPublicInformationSectionoftheSecretariat,institutionsandmissionswillencouragegender-balancedreporting,andhighlight,asappropriate,meetings,seminars,special events, reports, case stories and developments related to the implementation ofOSCEcommitmentsongenderequality.

(...)

V. Supporting OSCE participating States in implementing relevant commitments to promoting equality between women and men

AreasofspecialinteresttoallOSCEparticipatingStates

(...)

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COMMITMENTS

(44)Priorities

(...)

(c)Preventingviolenceagainstwomen

(...)

• TheStrategicPoliceMattersUnit(SPMU)willenhanceitsprojectdevelopmenttoassistparticipatingStatesinreactingtosexualviolenceoffencesandinincludingsuchelementsasspecialinvestigationtechniques,andinterviewskillsdesignatedforusewithvictimsofsexualassaultincludingchildren,andinformationonreferralmechanismsforvictimassistance,inthepolicetrainingcurriculum;

(...)

(d)Ensuringequalopportunityforparticipationofwomeninpoliticalandpubliclife

(...)

TheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMedia(RFOM)willbealerttoallegationsofserious intolerance towardswomenand incitement togenderdiscrimination inorby themediainparticipatingStatesinaccordancewithChapter6ofthemandateoftheRFOM.TheRepresentativewillinformtheparticipatingStatesofsuchcasesinhis/herregularreports.

(...)

54

COMMITMENTS

Document of the Thirteenth Meeting of the Ministerial Council

5-6 December 2005, Ljubljana

(...)

Decision No. 10/05. Tolerance and Non-discrimination: Promoting Mutual Respect and Understanding(MC.DEC/10/05)


(...)

(5)DecidesthattheparticipatingStateswhileimplementingtheircommitmentstopromotetolerance and nondiscrimination will focus their activities in such fields as, inter alia,legislation, lawenforcement,education,media,datacollection,migrationand integration,religiousfreedom,inter-culturalandinter-faithdialogue,andcommitto:

(...)

(5.4)Considerdeveloping,incloseco-operationwithcivilsociety,concretemeasureswhichdonotendanger freedomof informationandexpression, inorder tocounterxenophobicstereotypes,intoleranceanddiscriminationinthemediaandtoencourageprogrammestoeducatechildrenandyouthaboutprejudiceorbiastheymayencounterinthemediaorontheInternet;

(...)

55

COMMITMENTS

Document of the Fourteenth Meeting of the Ministerial Council

4-5 December 2006, Brussels

(...)

Decision No. 7/06. Countering the use of the Internet for Terrorist Purposes (MC.DEC/7/06)


Recallingitspreviousdecisiononthisissue(MC.DEC/3/04),

RemaininggravelyconcernedwiththegrowinguseoftheInternetforterroristpurposesasoutlinedintheaforementioneddecisionandbeyond,

Reaffirming in this context the importance of fully respecting the right to freedom ofopinionandfreedomofexpression,whichincludethefreedomtoseek,receiveandimpartinformation,whicharevitaltodemocracyandinfactarestrengthenedbytheInternet(PC.DEC/633of11November2004)andtheruleoflaw,

(...)

Recalling the results of the OSCE Special Meeting on the Relationship between Racist,XenophobicandAnti-SemiticPropagandaontheInternetandHateCrimes(Paris,15and16 June 2004), as well as the outcomes of the OSCE Expert Workshop on CombatingtheUseof the Internet forTerroristPurposes (Vienna,13and14October2005)andtheOSCE-CouncilofEuropeExpertWorkshoponPreventingTerrorism:FightingIncitementandRelatedTerroristActivities(Vienna,19and20October2006),andrelevantworkdonebytheOSCESecretariatandinstitutions,inparticularbytheRepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediaandtheODIHR,

(...)

(6) Invites participating States to increase their monitoring of websites of terrorist/violentextremistorganizationsandtheirsupportersandtoinvigoratetheirexchangeofinformationin theOSCEandotherrelevant foraontheuseof the Internet for terroristpurposesandmeasures taken to counter it, in line with national legislation, while ensuring respect forinternationalhumanrightsobligationsandstandards,includingthoseconcerningtherightstoprivacyandfreedomofopinionandexpression,andtheruleoflaw.Duplicationofeffortswithongoingactivitiesinotherinternationalforashouldbeavoided;(...)

56

COMMITMENTS

Decision No. 13/06. Combating Intolerance and Discrimination and Promoting Mutual Respect and Understanding (MC.DEC/13/06)


(...)

(9)Recognizestheessentialrolethatthefreeandindependentmediacanplayindemocraticsocietiesandthestronginfluenceitcanhaveincounteringorexacerbatingmisperceptions,prejudicesandinthatsenseencouragestheadoptionofvoluntaryprofessionalstandardsbyjournalists,mediaself-regulationandotherappropriatemechanismsforensuringincreasedprofessionalism,accuracyandadherencetoethicalstandardsamongjournalists;

(...)

(15)EncouragestheRepresentativeonFreedomoftheMedia,withinavailableresources,toconsiderreviewingbestpracticesinmattersofhis/hercompetencyrelatingtocombatingintolerance;

Decision No. 759. Media Twinning: Capacity-building in Support of Professional Media Through Peer-to-Peer Exchanges (PC.DEC/759)


Considering that independentmediaareanessential instrument forensuringdemocratictransparencyandaccountability,

Acknowledging media twinning as reciprocal peer-to-peer exchanges between relevantmediaactors inviewofmediacapacity-building insupportof theOSCE’sprinciplesandcommitments,inparticularonfreedomofthemedia,through,interalia,studyvisits,trainingseminarsandstaffexchanges,

Awarethatfreeandprofessionalmediacandefendthevaluesofpeacefulcoexistenceandmutualunderstanding,thuspositivelycontributingtoearlywarning,conflictprevention,crisismanagementandpost-conflictrehabilitation,

ConsciousoftheimportantrolemediacanplayasadrivingforcefordemocracyandpeaceintheOSCEregion,

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COMMITMENTS

WelcomingtheOSCE’smediacapacity-buildingactivitiesthroughoutthewholeOSCEareaaspartofdemocraticinstitution-building,initiatedbytheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediaand,whereapplicable,OSCEfieldoperations,

Convincedofthebenefitofsharingtheexpertiseofmediaorganizationsdirectlyamongstpeers,

ReaffirmingtheOSCEparticipatingStates’commitmentstoencouragedirectcontactsandinternational exchanges between media organizations, in particular as undertaken in theHelsinkiFinalAct(1975),theConcludingDocumentofMadrid(1983)andtheCopenhagenDocument(1990),

Decidesto:

(1)TasktheOSCERepresentativeonFreedomoftheMediatoco-ordinatetheexaminationbytherelevantOSCEexecutivestructures,withintheirexistingmandatesandinconsultationwith media organizations, of modalities for facilitating media twinning throughout theOSCEarea,includingbudgetaryaspects,andmakerelevantproposalsaccordinglytotheparticipatingStates;

(2) Call upon the participating States to consider those proposals for possible furtherfollowup.

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COMMITMENTS

Document of the Fifteenth Meeting of the Ministerial Council

29-30 November 2007, Madrid

Decision No. 9/07. Combating Sexual Exploitation of Children on the Internet (MC.DEC/9/07)


Alarmedthat thegrowthof the Internethasgeneratedanenormousglobalexpansionofthe viewinganddistributionof childpornographyandof itsprofits, including for criminalorganizations,

(...)

Determined to combat this growing phenomenon, including through increasing OSCEactivitytoaddressit,decidesto:

(...)

(3)EncourageparticipatingStatesthathavenotalreadydonesotoestablishasystemthatallowslawenforcementtoworkwithpublicbroadcastingandquicklysendoutapublicalertwhenachildisfoundmissing,whenappropriate;

(4) Urge participating States that have not already done so to consider criminalizing theintentional acquisition and possession of child pornography, given that the viewing andpossessionofchildpornographystimulatesthegrowthofthisillicitindustry;

(...)

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COMMITMENTS

Document of the Sixteenth Meeting of the Ministerial Council

4-5 December 2008, Helsinki

(...)

Declaration on the Occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (MC.DOC/2/08)

(...)

OntheoccasionofthetenthanniversaryoftheOfficeoftheRepresentativeonFreedomoftheMedia,werecognizetheworkofthisinstitutioninpromotingindependentandpluralisticmediaessentialtoafreeandopensocietyandaccountablesystemsofgovernment.WecallonparticipatingStatesandPartnersforCo-operationtocreateanenvironmentwherefreeandindependentmediacanflourish.(...)

We reiterate that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion orbelief;freedomofopinionandexpression,freedomofpeacefulassemblyandassociation.The exercise of these rights may be subject to only such limitations as are provided bylawandconsistentwithourobligationsunder international lawandwithour internationalcommitments.(...)

Decision No. 6/08. Enhancing OSCE Efforts to Implement the Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area (MC.DEC/6/08)(...)

Determined to enhance OSCE efforts to implement the Action Plan on Improving theSituationofRomaandSintiwithintheOSCEArea,(...)

(5) Calls for appropriate national authorities relevant to the situation of Roma and Sinti,suchas those relating tominorities, access tohealth services, education, housing, anti-discriminationwork,policeandmedia,toenhancetheireffortstoensuretheimplementationofOSCEcommitmentswithinnationallegislationonequalityandnon-discrimination.Inthiscontext,specialattentionshouldbepaidtothesituationofRomawomenandgirls;(...)

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Document of the Seventeenth Meeting of the Ministerial Council

1 and 2 December 2009, Athens

(...)

Decision No. 8/09. Enhancing OSCE Efforts to Ensure Roma and Sinti Sustainable Integration (MC.DEC/8/09 of 2 December 2009)


(...)

(6) Tasks the ODIHR, in co-operation and co-ordination with the HCNM and theRepresentative of Freedom of the Media and other relevant OSCE executive structures,withintheirmandatesandwithinexistingresources,tocontinuetoassistparticipatingStatestocombatactsofdiscriminationandviolenceagainstRomaandSinti,tocounternegativestereotypesofRomaandSintiinthemediatakingintoaccountrelevantOSCEfreedomofthemediacommitments,andtoimplementfullyOSCEcommitmentspertaininginparticulartotheimplementationoftheActionPlanonImprovingtheSituationofRomaandSintiwithintheOSCEAreaaswellastoaddressthechallengeslinkedtothesustainableandsuccessfulintegrationofRomaandSinti;

(...)

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Astana Final Document(SummitofHeadsofStateorGovernment)

3 December 2010, Astana

Astana Commemorative Declaration Towards a Security Community

(1)We,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentofthe56participatingStatesoftheOSCE,haveassembled inAstana, eleven years after the lastOSCESummit in Istanbul, to recommitourselves to the vision of a free, democratic, common and indivisible Euro-Atlantic andEurasian security community stretching fromVancouver toVladivostok, rooted in agreedprinciples,sharedcommitmentsandcommongoals.Aswemarkthe35thanniversaryoftheHelsinkiFinalActandthe20thanniversaryoftheCharterofParisforaNewEurope,wereaffirmtherelevanceof,andourcommitmentto,theprinciplesonwhichthisOrganizationisbased.Whilewehavemademuchprogress,wealsoacknowledgethatmoremustbedonetoensure full respect for,and implementationof, thesecoreprinciplesandcommitmentsthatwehaveundertakeninthepolitico-militarydimension,theeconomicandenvironmentaldimension,andthehumandimension,notablyintheareasofhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms.

(2)We reaffirmour full adherence to theCharter of theUnitedNations and to allOSCEnorms, principles and commitments, starting from the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter ofParis,theCharterforEuropeanSecurityandallotherOSCEdocumentstowhichwehaveagreed,andourresponsibilityto implementthemfullyand ingoodfaith.Wereiterateourcommitmenttotheconcept,initiatedintheFinalAct,ofcomprehensive,co-operative,equalandindivisiblesecurity,whichrelatesthemaintenanceofpeacetotherespectforhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms,andlinkseconomicandenvironmentalco-operationwithpeacefulinter-Staterelations.

(3) (...)We further reaffirmthatallOSCEprinciplesandcommitments,withoutexception,applyequally toeachparticipatingState,andweemphasize thatweareaccountable toourcitizensand responsible toeachother for their full implementation.We regard thesecommitmentsasourcommonachievement,andthereforeconsiderthemtobemattersofimmediateandlegitimateconcerntoallparticipatingStates.

(...)

(5) (...) We recognize that the OSCE, as the most inclusive and comprehensive regionalsecurityorganizationintheEuro-AtlanticandEurasianarea,continuestoprovideauniqueforum, operating on the basis of consensus and the sovereign equality of States, for

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promotingopendialogue,preventingandsettlingconflicts,buildingmutualunderstandingandfosteringco-operation.WestresstheimportanceoftheworkcarriedoutbytheOSCESecretariat, High Commissioner on National Minorities, Office for Democratic InstitutionsandHumanRightsandRepresentativeonFreedomoftheMedia,aswellastheOSCEfieldoperations,inaccordancewiththeirrespectivemandates,inassistingparticipatingStateswithimplementingtheirOSCEcommitments.Wearedeterminedtointensifyco-operationwith the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and encourage its efforts to promote security,democracyandprosperitythroughouttheOSCEareaandwithinparticipatingStatesandtoincreaseconfidenceamongparticipatingStates.WealsoacknowledgetheOrganization’ssignificant role in establishing effective confidence- and security-building measures. Wereaffirmourcommitmenttotheirfull implementationandourdeterminationtoensurethattheycontinuetomakeasubstantialcontributiontoourcommonandindivisiblesecurity.

(6) TheOSCE’s comprehensive andco-operative approach to security,whichaddressesthehuman,economicandenvironmental,politicalandmilitarydimensionsofsecurityasanintegralwhole,remainsindispensable.Convincedthattheinherentdignityoftheindividualisat thecoreofcomprehensivesecurity,wereiteratethathumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsareinalienable,andthattheirprotectionandpromotionisourfirstresponsibility.Wereaffirmcategoricallyand irrevocably that thecommitmentsundertaken in thefieldofthehumandimensionaremattersofdirectandlegitimateconcerntoallparticipatingStatesanddonotbelongexclusivelytotheinternalaffairsoftheStateconcerned.Wevaluetheimportantroleplayedbycivilsocietyandfreemediainhelpingustoensurefullrespectforhumanrights,fundamentalfreedoms,democracy,includingfreeandfairelections,andtheruleoflaw.

(7)Seriousthreatsandchallengesremain.Mistrustanddivergentsecurityperceptionsmustbeovercome.Ourcommitmentsinthepolitico-military,economicandenvironmental,andhumandimensionsneedtobefully implemented.Respectforhumanrights,fundamentalfreedoms,democracyandtheruleoflawmustbesafeguardedandstrengthened.Greatereffortsmustbemadetopromote freedomofreligionorbeliefandtocombat intoleranceanddiscrimination.Mutuallybeneficialco-operationaimedataddressingtheimpactonourregion’s security of economic and environmental challenges must be further developed.Ourenergysecuritydialogue,includingonagreedprinciplesofourco-operation,mustbeenhanced.IncreasedeffortsshouldbemadetoresolveexistingconflictsintheOSCEareainapeacefulandnegotiatedmanner,withinagreedformats,fullyrespectingthenormsandprinciplesofinternationallawenshrinedintheUnitedNationsCharter,aswellastheHelsinkiFinalAct.Newcrisesmustbeprevented.Wepledgetorefrainfromthethreatoruseofforceinanymanner inconsistentwiththepurposesandprinciplesof theCharterof theUnitedNationsorwiththetenPrinciplesoftheHelsinkiFinalAct.

(...)

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Decision No. 1039. Development of Confidence-Building Measures to Reduce the Risks of Conflict Stemming from the Use of Informationand Communication Technologies (PC.DEC/1039)

26 April 2012, Vienna


Decidestostepupindividualandcollectiveeffortstoaddresssecurityintheuseofinformationandcommunicationtechnologies(ICTs)inacomprehensiveandcross-dimensionalmannerin accordance with OSCE commitments and in co-operation with relevant internationalorganizations;

(...)

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COMMITMENTS

Document of the Nineteenth Meeting of the Ministerial Council

6-7 December 2012, Dublin

(...)

Declaration on Strengthening Good Governance and Combating Corruption, Money-Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism

II.Civilsocietyandtheprivatesector

(...)

Werecognizethatfreedomofinformationandaccesstoinformationfosteropennessandaccountability in public policy and procurement, and enable civil society, including themedia, tocontribute topreventingandcombattingcorruption, thefinancingof terrorism,andmoney-launderingand itspredicateoffences.We reaffirmour commitment tomakeour governments more transparent by further developing processes and institutions forproviding timely information, including reliable statistics, with a view to promoting a wellinformedandresponsivedialogue.

(...)

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COMMITMENTS

Decision No. 1063. OSCE Consolidated Framework for the Fight Against Terrorism (PC.DEC/1063)

7 December 2012, Vienna

(...)

V.Coherence,co-ordinationandco-operation

(...)

(24)Inaccordancewithitsmandate,theRepresentativeonFreedomoftheMedia(RFoM)willpursue itsactivity,withaviewtoadvancingOSCEcommitments,willcontinuetoco-operateandco-ordinatewithallrelevantexecutivestructuresandtoworkwithparticipatingStatesandassisttheminfulfillingtheirOSCEcommitmentsrelatedtocounteringterrorism.

(...)

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Decision No. 1106. Initial set of OSCE Confidence-Building Measures to Reduce the Risks of Conflict Stemming from the Use of Information and Communication Technologies (PC.DEC/1106)


TheOSCEparticipatingStates inPermanentCouncilDecisionNo. 1039 (26April 2012)decided tostepup individualandcollectiveefforts toaddresssecurityofand in theuseof information and communication technologies (ICTs) in a comprehensive and cross-dimensional manner in accordance with OSCE commitments and in co-operation withrelevantinternationalorganizations,hereinafterreferredtoas“securityofandintheuseofICTs.”Theyfurtherdecidedtoelaborateasetofdraftconfidence-buildingmeasures(CBMs)toenhanceinterstateco-operation,transparency,predictability,andstability,andtoreducetherisksofmisperception,escalation,andconflictthatmaystemfromtheuseofICTs.

TheOSCEparticipatingStates, recalling theOSCEroleasa regionalarrangementunderChapter VIII of the UN Charter, confirm that the CBMs being elaborated in the OSCEcomplementUNeffortstopromoteCBMsinthefieldofsecurityofandintheuseofICTs.Theeffortsof theOSCEparticipatingStates in implementationof theOSCEconfidence-buildingmeasuresinthefieldofsecurityofandintheuseofICTswillbeconsistentwith:internationallaw,including,interalia,theUNCharterandtheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights;aswellas theHelsinkiFinalAct;and their responsibilities to respecthumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms.

Attachment. Interpretative Statement under Paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the Rules of Procedure of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

BythedelegationoftheRussianFederation:

“Inconnectionwith thePermanentCouncildecisionadoptedon the initial setofconfidence-buildingmeasures toreducetherisksofconflictstemmingfromtheuseofinformationandcommunicationtechnologiesandinaccordancewithparagraphIV.1(A)6oftheRulesofProcedureoftheOSCE,theRussianFederationwouldliketomakethefollow-inginterpretativestatement:

(...)

Insupportingthisdecision,theRussianFederationwillbeguidedinitsimplementationbyafirmcommitmenttotheprinciplesofnon-interferenceintheinternalaffairsofStates,theirequalityintheprocessofInternetgovernanceandthesovereignrightofStatestoInternetgovernanceintheirnationalinformationspace,tointernationallawandtotheobservanceoffundamentalhumanrightsandfreedoms.

(...)”

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(1) Participating States will voluntarily provide their national views on various aspects ofnationalandtransnationalthreatstoandintheuseofICTs.TheextentofsuchinformationwillbedeterminedbytheprovidingParties.

(...)

(4)ParticipatingStateswillvoluntarilyshareinformationonmeasuresthattheyhavetakentoensureanopen,interoperable,secure,andreliableInternet.

(5)TheparticipatingStateswillusetheOSCEasaplatformfordialogue,exchangeofbestpractices,awareness-raisingandinformationoncapacity-buildingregardingsecurityofandintheuseofICTs,includingeffectiveresponsestorelatedthreats.TheparticipatingStateswillexplorefurtherdevelopingtheOSCEroleinthisregard.

(...)

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COMMITMENTS

Addendum to the OSCE Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings: One Decade Later (PC.DEC/1107/Corr.1, Annex)


(...)

III.Preventionoftraffickinginhumanbeings

Recommendedactionatthenationallevel

(...)

(2)Capacity-buildingandtraining

(2.1)EncouragingthedevelopmentandintroductionoftrainingprogrammesonTHB-relatedissuesfor:

(...)

— Media professionals, including through modules on the use of non-discriminatorylanguageandcounteringstereotypesandunderstandingtheimpactnewsreportshaveonvictimsofTHBwhilecoveringTHBissues;

(...)

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COMMITMENTS

Document of the Twenty-First Meeting of the Ministerial Council

4-5 December 2014, Basel

Declaration on the OSCE Role in Countering the Phenomenon of Foreign Terrorist Fighters in the Context of the Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 2170 (2014) and 2178 (2014) (MC.DOC/5/14)

WecallupontheparticipatingStates:

(...)

(4)Toenhanceinternationalco-operationtocountertheuseoftheInternetforthepurposesofincitingviolentextremismandradicalisationthatleadtoterrorismandforrecruitingforeignterroristfighters,andtoexchangeinformationaboutthisthreatinaccordancewithMinisterialCouncilDecisionNo.7/06onCounteringtheUseoftheInternetforTerroristPurposes,whilefullyrespectingtherighttofreedomofopinionandfreedomofexpression;

(...)

Decision No. 5/14. Prevention of Corruption (MC.DEC/5/14)


(...)

Reaffirming that freedom of information and access to information foster openness andaccountabilityinpublicpolicyandprocurementandenablecivilsociety,includingthemedia,tocontribute topreventingandcombatingcorruption, thefinancingof terrorism,money-launderinganditspredicateoffences,

(...)

Recognizingthattheabilityofanindependentmediatoinvestigateandtopublishtheresultsofthatinvestigation,inaccordancewithnationallegislationandinternationalcommitments,withoutfearofprosecution,persecutionorphysicalharmisfundamentaltopreventingandcombatingcorruptionatalllevelsandinallsectors,

(...)

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EncouragestheparticipatingStatesto:

• Takemeasurestoenhancetransparency,accountabilityandtheruleoflawinpublicadministration,inaccordancewiththefundamentalprinciplesoftheirlegalsystems,includingthroughtheintroductionofeffectivemeasuresfacilitatingpublicaccesstoinformationandthepromotionofeffectivepublicservicedelivery;(...)

• Fostertheinvolvementoftheprivatesector,civilsocietyorganizations,themediaandacademia,includingthroughthesupportoftheOSCEexecutivestructures,inaccordancewiththeirmandates, indevelopingnationalanti-corruptionstrategiesandpoliciesandtosupporttheirsubsequentimplementation;(...)

• Contributetostrengtheningawareness-raisingmeasureswithrespecttocorruptionthroughoutallsectorsofsociety,byprovidingtrainingandeducationalprogrammesintheareaofcorruptionpreventionandintegrity,withspecialattentionbeinggiventoyouth,andrecognizingtheroleplayedinthisregardbyanengagedandwell-informedcivilsocietyandanindependent,freeandpluralisticmedia;

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Declaration on the Terrorist Attacks in Paris (PC.DOC/1/15)

15 January 2015, Vienna


(...)

Taking note of relevant statements by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, the SecretaryGeneral, the Representative on Freedom of the Media and the President of the OSCEParliamentaryAssembly,

BeingguidedbyrelevantOSCEcommitments,particularlythoserelatingtothefightagainstterrorism,tofreedomofexpressionandtotoleranceandnon-discrimination:

(...)

Condemnstheseterroristattacksagainstjournalistsandfreemedia,andrecallsthatfreedomofexpressionisafundamentalandinternationallyrecognizedhumanright;

(...)

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Document of the Twenty-Second Meeting of the Ministerial Council

3-4 December 2015, Belgrade

Ministerial Declaration on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization that Lead to Terrorism (MC.DOC/4/15)

We,theMinistersforForeignAffairsoftheparticipatingStatesoftheOrganizationforSecurityandCo-operationinEurope,

(...)

Stronglycondemningmanifestationsofintolerance,includingonthebasisofreligionorbelief,reaffirmingthewillofparticipatingStatestofostertoleranceandnon-discrimination,mutualrespectandunderstanding intheirsocieties,andreaffirmingourcommitmenttopromoteandprotecthumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms,includingfreedomofexpressionandfreedomofthought,conscience,religionorbelief,

(...)

Stressing the important roles that youth, families, women, victims of terrorism, religious,culturalandeducationleaders,civilsociety,aswellasthemedia,canplaytocountertheviolentextremistnarrative thatcan incite terroristacts,andtoaddresstheconditionsconduciveto the spread of terrorism, in particular by fostering mutual respect and understanding,reconciliationandpeacefulcoexistenceamongcultures,andbypromotingandprotectinghumanrights,fundamentalfreedoms,democraticprinciplesandtheruleoflaw,

(...)

CallupontheparticipatingStates:

(...)

(3)Toadoptmeasuresasmaybenecessaryandappropriateandinaccordancewiththeirobligationsunderinternationallaw,includingwithrespecttohumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms,toprohibitbylawincitementtocommitaterroristactoracts,andtopreventsuchconduct;

(...)

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(9)Tofurtherpromotepublic-privatepartnershipsincounteringterrorism,whereappropriate,amongpublicauthorities,theprivatesector,civilsociety,membersof,orrepresentativesofreligiouscommunities,andthemedia,inlinewith,interalia,MinisterialCouncilDecisionNo.10/08,inordertocounterincitementtoterrorismandviolentextremismandradicalizationthatleadtoterrorism;

(10) To enhance international co-operation and public-private partnerships to developpracticalmeasurestocountertheuseoftheInternetandothermeansforthepurposesofincitingviolentextremismandradicalizationthatleadtoterrorismandforrecruitingforeignterroristfighters.Suchinternationalco-operationandpublic-privatepartnershipscouldfostercommunicationefforts,includingviasocialmedia,tocounterviolentextremistmessaging,whilefullyrespectingtherighttofreedomofopinionandexpression;

(...)

(14)Toengageandempoweryouth, inpreventingandcounteringviolentextremismandradicalizationthatleadtoterrorism,interalia,by:

(...)

(c)Supportingyouth-ledandyouth-focusedawareness-raisinginitiatives,includingthroughtheInternetandsocialmedia,topreventandcountertheirradicalizationtoterrorism,andtopromoterespectforhumanrights,fundamentalfreedoms,toleranceandnon-discrimination;

(...)

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Document of the Twenty-Third Meeting of the Ministerial Council

8-9 December 2016, Hamburg

Declaration on Strengthening OSCE Efforts to Prevent and Counter Terrorism (MC.DOC/1/16)

(...)

(6)(...)WerecognizethatparticipatingStatesshouldtakemeasures,consistentwiththeirOSCEcommitments,andwhileensuringnationalownership,toaddresstheconditionscon-ducivetothespreadofterrorism,whilerecognizingthatnoneoftheseconditionscanex-cuseorjustifyactsofterrorism.Inthiscontext,werecognizetheneedtoaddressthethreatposedbynarrativesusedbyterrorists,includingpublicjustificationofterrorism,incitementandrecruitment,andcallon theparticipatingStates toactco-operatively todevelop themosteffectiveresponsestothisthreat,incompliancewithinternationallaw,includinginter-nationalhumanrightslaw.

(...)

(8) (...) We reiterate our determination and commitment to co-operate fully in preventingandcounteringterrorism,whilerespectinghumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms,andincompliancewithobligationsunderinternationallaw.<…>

(10)Westressthe importanceofco-operationamongOSCEparticipatingStates, includ-ingbyinvolvingwhereappropriate,civilsociety,topreventandcounterterrorism.Wealsounderscoretheimportantrolethatcivilsociety,inparticularyouth,families,women,victimsofterrorism,religious,culturalandeducationleaders,aswellasthemediaandtheprivatesectorcanplayinpreventingVERLT,interaliabycounteringterroristandviolentextremismmessagingandofferingalternativestothesenarratives,includingontheInternet,socialandothermedia.Weencouragepolitical leadersandpublicfiguresincludingfromcivilsocietyandreligiousleaderstospeakoutstronglyandpromptlyagainstviolentextremismandradi-calizationthatleadtoterrorism.

(...)

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Decision No. 4/16. Strengthening Good Governance and Promoting Connectivity (MC.DEC/4/16)


(...)

Recognizingtheimportanceoftheactiveparticipationoftheprivatesector,includingsmallandmedium-sizedenterprises,civilsocietyandmedia,inpreventingandcombatingcorrup-tionandpromotingasoundbusinessandinvestmentclimate,

(...)

Strengtheningpublic-privatepartnershipsinthefightagainstcorruption,moneylaunderingandfinancingofterrorism

(19)EncouragesparticipatingStatestofacilitateco-operationamonglawenforcement,thejudiciaryandfinancial intelligenceunitsandother relevantactorsaswellasbetween thepublic and theprivate sector andcivil society, includingmedia, in combatingcorruption,moneylaunderingandotherfinancialcrime;

(...)

Documents

COMMITMENTS - Organization for Security and Co-operation