A group of international media and press freedom organisations today
called upon the Belarus
authorities to bring the country's media environment into accordance with
international standards, following the visit of a joint delegation to Minsk from 20 to 24 September
2009.
The group welcomes recent changes and
recognises that pressure on media and journalists has eased. However, this must
be translated into a lasting commitment to ensure the rights of journalists and
to undertake much needed reforms of the media environment. Such changes need to
be far reaching and irreversible.
The delegation met with media
organisations and with authorities of Belarus
in Minsk to
exchange views and assess the current situation of the media, press freedom,
freedom of expression and access to information.
The participating organisations and
signatories to the present statement will present a full report as a
contribution to the EU-Belarus Human Rights Dialogue and share it with other
international organisations.
The undersigned organisations, consider that:
a)
Economic conditions for media
outlets are not equal for all. Belsayuzdruk and Belposhta distribution systems
limit access and circulation of non-state newspapers. These restrictions hinder the development of an independent and pluralistic
media landscape;
b)
Non-transparent and arbitrary allocation
of broadcast licences and frequencies hinder the development of independent and
pluralistic broadcasting;
c)
Access to information is
restricted, in particular because of the adoption and implementation of laws
that limit the journalists' right to information, or discriminate between state
and non-state media in accessing information of public interest;
d)
Accreditation of journalists
working for Belarus
or foreign media, as well as the registration of offices of media, are
restricted by non-transparent and discriminatory decisions of the authorities;
e)
Belarus
legislation on defamation and extremism limits press freedom, leads journalists
to self-censorship and is not in line with European and international standards
on press freedom;
f)
Although
we welcome the new dialogue on ethics and self-regulation, the group highlights
the importance that action on this issue should be driven by the media
community itself.
Recommendations:
The following recommendations made by
the group are aimed at improving and strengthening the media environment in Belarus for
state and non-state media, as well as enhance professionalism, pluralism and
the role of media in a democratic society.
1)
Editorial independence of state
and non-state media must be respected and they should not be targeted for their
professional activities;
2)
Non-state media should have the
right and possibility to operate and develop under fair economic conditions,
including the right to be distributed without restriction or discrimination;
3) Rules and conditions for accreditation of
journalists should be established. They should be transparent, unambiguous and
fair, and seek to allow access for all journalists to information of public
interest;
4) Journalists should not be obstructed from reporting
on public events and demonstrations;
5) The
allocation of broadcasting licenses and frequencies should be defined by a legislation according to international
standards and overseen by a fully independent regulator to ensure pluralism in
the broadcasting sector;
6) The ‘Law on the Media', the ‘Law On
Counteraction to Extremism' and articles of the Criminal Code relating to
defamation, should be reformed to bring them into line with international press
freedom and freedom of expression standards;
7) Authorities should ensure equal
treatment of organisations representing journalists;
8) Media, authorities and civil society
should continue the dialogue on improving media policies and practices.
Organisations signing this statement stand ready to
provide expertise and support in assisting the media community and authorities
to realise these recommendations.
Minsk, 24 September 2009
The organisations signing up to this statement include:
1.
Article 19
2.
Civil Rights Defenders
3.
Committee to Protect Journalists
4.
Danish Union of Journalists
5.
Index on Censorship
6.
International/European Federation of Journalists
7.
International Media Support
8.
International Publishers' Association
9.
International Pen
10.
International Press Institute
11.
Open Society Institute
12.
PressNow
13.
Reporters without Borders
14.
World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers
Contact:
Marc Gruber, European/International Federation of Journalists
[email protected]
++32 2 235 22 00