Closing Plenary Session of the 2018 OSCE Ministerial Council
U.S. Statement at the Closing Plenary Session of the 2018 OSCE Ministerial Council Read More»
HDIM: Working Session 4 – Rule of Law (Part 1)
Statement at HDIM Working Session 4: Rule of law I, including - Right to a fair trial; Independence of the judiciary; Democratic law-making Read More»
On World Press Freedom Day
Statement to the Permanent Council on World Press Freedom Day. Read More»
On Limiting Freedom of Expression in Russia
Statement to the OSCE Permanent Council on limiting freedom of expression in Russia. Read More»
Concern About Freedom of Expression In Tajikistan
Statement at the Permanent Council on freedom of expression and the detention of Khairullo Mirsaidov In Tajikistan. Read More»
Statement on the Murder of Jan Kuciak
Statement at the Permanent Council on behalf of the United States and Canada on the Murder of Slovak journalist, Jan Kuciak. Read More»
On Broadcasting Concerns in Moldova
Statement at the Permanent Council: We urge Moldova to respond to disinformation in a way that does not limit the public’s access to information. Read More»
Concerns About Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Freedom of Expression in Turkey
The United States strongly supports the rights of all individuals, including LGBTI persons, to assemble peacefully and to exercise freedom of expression. Read More»
Ongoing Concerns About Freedom of Expression in Russia
The United States urges the Russian government not to use new media legislation to further restrict freedom of expression and the operation of media outlets in Russia. Read More»
On Ensuring the Freedoms of Expression and Peaceful Assembly in Russia
We join the EU and others in expressing deep concern about the arrest of opposition leader Alexei Navalny and his subsequent sentencing to twenty days’ detention. Read More»
Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association: Statement at HDIM Session 2
The freedoms to assemble peacefully and to associate freely are essential for a stable, open, and dynamic society, and to democratic governance responsive to the concerns of citizens. Read More»
Freedom of Expression, Free Media and Information: Statement at HDIM Session 1
Freedom of expression is fundamental to any democracy, and journalists should never be targeted for their work. Read More»
Right of Reply to the Russian Federation
The United States categorically rejects any claims that the United States government is involved in the kidnapping of foreign nationals and that it operates in manner inconsistent with its international obligations. Read More»
Right of Reply to Azerbaijan on Media Freedom in the United States
We have taken note of the statement by Azerbaijan on media freedom in in the United States. However, let me be clear. The United States has the most vibrant, pluralistic media environment in the world. Read More»
On the Release of the 2016 International Religious Freedom Report
The United States is committed to addressing these conditions in part by advancing international religious freedom around the world. Read More»
Concern About the Arrest of Kirill Serebrennikov of the Gogol Center
We urge Russian authorities to adhere to fair trial guarantees. The United States stresses the right of all to freedom of expression, including in the spheres of arts and culture. Read More»
On the Government of Azerbaijan’s Crackdown on Independent Voices
We urge the government of Azerbaijan to immediately release Mehman Aliyev, and all those incarcerated for exercising their fundamental freedoms, in accordance with its international obligations and OSCE commitments. Read More»
Reply to the Opening Session of the RFOM Conference “Media Freedom in Volatile Environments”
We agree that we can all do more to strengthen journalist protections. We agree that there is a need for more fact-based reporting. And we agree that these issues need to be addressed democratically and in a manner consistent with OSCE principles and commitments. Read More»
Reply to the Closing Session of the RFOM Conference “Media Freedom in Volatile Environments”
The United States was disappointed, but not surprised, that instead of acting in good faith and using the conference for its intended purpose, certain participating States instead sought to stack this room with surrogates and proxies. Read More»
Concerns About a Restrictive Civil Society Law in Hungary
This law constitutes a step backward from the freedoms of association and expression, and from our shared OSCE commitments to supporting civil society. Any claims that this legislation is based on laws in the United States are false. Read More»
On the Detention of Taner Kiliç in Turkey
Non-governmental organizations and a robust civil society are an essential element of any strong democracy. Turkey benefits from having more engaged voices, not fewer. The detentions of individuals such as Mr. Kiliç chill public debate and undermine the quality of democracy. Read More»
On the Right of Peaceful Assembly in Russia
The Russian people, like people everywhere, deserve a government that supports an open marketplace of ideas, transparent and accountable governance, equal treatment under the law, and the ability to exercise their rights without intimidation or retribution. Read More»
Replies to Russian Claims Regarding Journalists in the United States
We have taken note of the statement by the Russian Federation, which draws upon an article in a U.S. newspaper. The United States takes seriously its OSCE commitments and its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Read More»
Abduction and Arrest of Azerbaijani Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli
We urge the government of Azerbaijan to act in accordance with its OSCE and international commitments and obligations and release all those incarcerated for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Read More»
Russia’s Misuse of its “Foreign Agent” Law
The Russian government's reliance on its so-called “foreign agent” law raises serious concerns about Russia’s respect for its OSCE commitments and obligation to respect the right to freedom of association. Read More»
Response to the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, Ambassador John MacGregor
The United States strongly supports the Project Coordinator's efforts to assist Uzbekistan in fighting terrorism, strengthening criminal justice, combating trafficking in persons, and developing free media. Read More»
Response to Altai Efendiev, Secretary General of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development
We share the concerns of Organization for Democracy and Economic Development member states about the active and protracted conflicts in this region, and are deeply concerned by continuing violations of member states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. Read More»
Response to Head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat, Ambassador Natalya Drozd
The United States appreciates the work of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat across all three of the dimensions that constitute the OSCE's comprehensive approach to security. Read More»
World Press Freedom Day 2017
We also honor those men and women who work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to tell the stories the world would otherwise never hear. They are the guardians of democratic values and ideals. We reaffirm our commitment to stand by them this day, and every day. Read More»
Call For Investigation into Death of Mehman Galandarov
We urge the Government of Azerbaijan to conduct a full, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Galandarov’s death and to release all activists in Azerbaijan incarcerated for exercising their fundamental freedoms. Read More»
Response to Russia’s Criticism of ODIHR Election Observation
Response to Russia’s Criticism of ODIHR Election Observation As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Kate M. Byrnes to the Permanent Council, Vienna April 27, 2017 Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Russian Federation’s claim that ODIHR’s determination regarding how to observe the French elections is another example of an “unbalanced” approach by ODIHR is unjustified and ... Read More»
Turkey’s Constitutional Referendum
We call on the government of Turkey to protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all within its borders – regardless of their vote on April 16 – as guaranteed by the Turkish constitution and in accordance with Turkey’s OSCE and other international commitments and obligations. Read More»
Reply to Russia on the Office of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Reply to Russia on the Office of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Kate M. Byrnes to the Permanent Council, Vienna April 27, 201 Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Russian Federation referred to the Office of the High Representative (OHR) as an obsolete international guardian that should be ... Read More»
Russia’s Continued Misuse of Terrorism and Extremism Laws to Restrict the Freedom of Thought, Conscience, Religion or Belief
We urge Russia to respect the human right of all to exercise the fundamental freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief-- including the right to profess and practice one’s religion alone or in community with others -- in accordance with its OSCE commitments and international obligations. Read More»
On the Library of Ukrainian Literature in Moscow
The United States joins Ukraine in voicing its concerns about the deliberate and malicious campaign against both the Library of Ukrainian Literature in Moscow and its personnel. Read More»
Proposed Legislation Affecting Foreign Universities in Hungary
The United States urges the government of Hungary to strengthen – not impede - the educational and people-to-people ties that are a foundation of strong bilateral and multilateral relationships, and are recognized in the Helsinki Final Act. Read More»
Russia’s Misuse of Terrorism and Extremism Laws to Restrict the Freedom of Thought, Conscience, Religion or Belief
Mr. Chair, colleagues, let me be clear – the threat to our region from violent extremism and terrorism is real. However, the prosecution of members of peaceful religious minority groups for “extremism” serves only to distract from and undermine our mutual efforts to combat true violent threats. Read More»
Restrictions on the Freedoms of Expression, Association and Peaceful Assembly in the Russian Federation
The Russian people, like people everywhere, deserve a government that supports an open marketplace of ideas, transparent and accountable governance, equal treatment under the law, and the ability to exercise their rights without fear of retribution. Read More»
Restrictions on the Freedoms of Expression, Association and Peaceful Assembly in Belarus
We have been following with deep concern reports regarding the response by government authorities to peaceful public demonstrations that took place in several locations in Belarus over the last weekend. Read More»
Response to Report by the Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović
For the last seven years, you have worked tirelessly to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms. You pushed back on governments that sought to silence critical voices, shut down free and independent media, and erode protections for journalists. Read More»
Ongoing Efforts to Silence Independent Voices in Russia
The United States urges Russia to respect its international obligations and OSCE commitments to protect the rights of everyone to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Read More»
Ongoing Violations of Freedom of Expression in Russia | Statement to the PC
Ongoing Violations of Freedom of Expression in Russia | Statement to the PC As delivered by Deputy Chief of Mission Kate M. Byrnes to the Permanent Council, Vienna January 19, 2017 The United States is concerned about the December 28 decision by Chechnya’s Supreme Court to uphold the conviction of Zhalaudi Geriev, a local independent ... Read More»
Secretary of State John Kerry at the Opening Session of the OSCE Ministerial | Statement to the 2016 Ministerial Council
Friends and colleagues, we meet in Hamburg today to reaffirm the same idea that tied us together in Helsinki 41 years ago: that our collective security is directly linked to the growth of our economies and the protection of basic human rights. Read More»
Response to the Report by Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović | Statement to the PC
The office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media has been a vocal and courageous advocate for freedom of expression, both on- and off-line. Read More»
Reply to Russian Federation on Response to Report by RFoM Dunja Mijatović | Statement to the PC
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Allow me to make a response to the comments just made by our distinguished Russian colleague. First, our distinguished Russian colleague said that not a word was said about concerns about journalists in the United States. That is simply false. In fact, my statement started today in recounting an exchange that ... Read More»
On International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists | Statement to the PC
My delegation strongly supports the statement of our European Union colleagues marking the United Nations-declared International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. To do its job, a free press needs protection from violence and intimidation. In too many places around the world, those who threaten, kidnap, beat, and kill journalists do so with ... Read More»
Government Pressure on Freedom of Expression and the Media in Turkey | Statement to the PC
As an ally and friend, we urge the Government of Turkey to respond to the failed coup in ways that reinforce Turkey’s traditions of freedom of expression and pluralism, the very principles and institutions that the Turkish people so courageously defended from a violent attempted coup. Read More»
Concern about Independent Media in Kazakhstan | Statement to the PC
We are concerned about constraints on independent media and the implications for freedom of expression in Kazakhstan. Read More»
On the Silencing of Independent Voices in Russia | Statement to the PC
The United States remains deeply troubled by the Russian government’s growing intolerance of all forms of dissent and independent expression. Read More»
Response to ODIHR’s Director on the 2016 Human Dimension Implementation Meeting | Statement to the PC
Director Link, the United States welcomes you back to the Permanent Council and thanks you for your report on the 2016 Human Dimension Implementation Meeting. On behalf of my delegation here in Vienna, and our colleagues from Washington, Moscow, and Baku who were part of the U.S. delegation to HDIM, I would like thank you, ... Read More»
Closing Remarks | Statement at the Closing Plenary of HDIM 2016
As the 2016 HDIM draws to a close, my delegation wishes to share some observations that will shape our approach to the OSCE Ministerial in Hamburg. First: Helsinki Final Act Principles linking respect for human rights within states to lasting security among states could not be more relevant. These foundational principles are under siege and ... Read More»
Freedom of Expression, Information, and Media Freedom | Right of Reply at Working Session 6 of HDIM 2016
Regarding the Representative’s presentation, we are aware of reports that a journalist covering the Dakota Access Pipeline protests was arrested for allegedly trespassing on private land last week. We have no reason to believe that the arrest was related to her status as a member of the press, nor to the subject matter of her ... Read More»
Freedom of Expression, Information, and Media Freedom | Statement at Working Session 6 of HDIM 2016
In establishing the Representative on Freedom of the Media in 1997, the OSCE participating States recognized that “free, independent, and pluralistic media are essential to a free and open society and accountable systems of government.” Read More»
Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly | Statement at Working Session 5 of HDIM 2016
Freedom of association is necessary for the fullest exercise of the freedoms of expression and of religion or belief, and for the conduct of free and fair elections. It is a cornerstone for the rights of persons seeking to form independent trade unions. Read More»
Ongoing Concerns About the Freedoms of Expression and Media in Azerbaijan | Statement to the PC
At the Copenhagen meeting in 1990, participating States affirmed that “everyone will have the right to freedom of expression including the right to communication. This right will include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers.” Twenty years later at the Astana ... Read More»
Reply to Azerbaijan on Freedom of Expression Concerns in Azerbaijan | Statement to the PC
I just would like to express my regret at the interpretation that our distinguished Azerbaijani colleague puts on my delegation’s raising our genuinely held concerns. I don’t think that it is accurate to say that there is a permanent focus on any particularly participating State, but rather that we consistently try to use the common ... Read More»
Statement on the Killing of Journalist Pavel Sheremet | Statement to the PC
The United States was shocked and saddened by the news of the killing of prominent journalist Pavel Sheremet in a car explosion in Kyiv, Ukraine. Read More»
On Freedom of Expression and Judicial Independence Concerns in Turkey | Statement to the PC
As Turkey’s friend, we urge Turkish authorities to ensure their actions uphold the universal democratic values enshrined in Turkey’s constitution, and its international human rights obligations and commitments, including those with respect to freedom of expression. Read More»
Fundamental Freedoms in Turkey | Statement to the PC
The United States is concerned about the continuing detention, and in some cases arrest, of journalists, activists, and others in connection with comments they have made that are critical of government officials, actions, or policies. Read More»
Response on Freedom of Expression in Russia, as raised by the European Union | Statement to the PC
The United States would like to align itself with the statement made by the European Union, and we reiterate the importance of protecting freedom of expression online and off, consistent with our OSCE commitments. EU Statement on New Legislation restricting freedom of expression and access to information in Russia 1. On June 10, the Russian ... Read More»
Response to the Head of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan: Statement to the PC
We welcome the OSCE office in Tajikistan's work in support of democratization, rule of law, and human rights, but are concerned about several negative developments in the country. Read More»
On World Press Freedom Day 2016: Statement to the PC
On World Press Freedom Day we pay special honor to the value of a free press and those journalists who are both the symbols and brave practitioners of it. As Secretary Kerry has stated, “Committing journalism, reporting on the truth, is not a crime. It is a badge of honor.” Read More»
On Findings of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression in Tajikistan: Statement to the PC
The United States wishes to echo the concerns outlined in the preliminary findings of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, David Kaye, whose visit to Tajikistan concluded March 10, 2016. During a March 10 press conference on his initial assessments, Mr. Kaye expressed grave concern over widespread blockage of Internet content and cellular ... Read More»
Response to the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media: Statement to the PC
Today’s meeting is bittersweet. For while we of course welcome the Representative on Freedom of the Media and thank her for the 15th installment of her always-inspiring remarks, today also marks the end of her second term of exemplary service to the OSCE. For the last six years, Ms. Mijatović has met the highest standard ... Read More»
Response to the Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro: Statement to the PC
The United States welcomes Ambassador Hrebičkova back to the Permanent Council for another comprehensive and detailed report. The United States strongly supports Montenegro’s Euro-Atlantic integration and NATO membership, which offer the best assurances for independence, security, and economic development. Montenegro’s membership in NATO will contribute to the stability of the Balkans and Europe. Ambassador Hrebičkova, ... Read More»
On the Release of Turkish Journalists Can Dündar and Erdem Gül: Statement at the PC
The United States welcomes the court ruling ending the pre-trial imprisonment of Cumhuriyet editor-in-chief Can Dündar and Ankara bureau chief Erdem Gül. Although they are out of jail pending trial, they still face serious charges stemming from their work as journalists. The U.S. government will continue to follow their case closely. Freedom of expression, including ... Read More»
Freedom of Expression Concerns in the OSCE Region: Statement to the PC
The actions of some participating States in the past few weeks do not appear consistent with OSCE commitments on free expression. Read More»
Response to the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo: Statement to the PC
The United States welcomes Ambassador Schlumberger back to the Permanent Council for another comprehensive and detailed report. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo (OMiK) remains a valuable tool for the international community. At a time of heightened tension and difficult challenges in Kosovo and the Balkans, OMiK’s mission is vital. Ambassador Schlumberger, we applaud OMiK’s ongoing ... Read More»
On Freedom of Expression in Turkey: Statement to the PC
The United States wishes to express its concern about reports in Turkey of academics being investigated and subjected to penalties for expressing their opinions about the conflict in the southeast of Turkey. The United States considers such actions to be part of a troubling trend in Turkey, in which official bodies, law enforcement, and judicial ... Read More»
Response to OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović: Statement to the PC
The United States warmly welcomes OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović to the Permanent Council. Thank you for your comprehensive, clear, and compelling report. With principled independence, you have faithfully fulfilled your important mandate at a time when independent journalists, both online and offline, have come under extraordinary pressure and, in some ... Read More»
International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists: Statement to the PC
November 2 marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. A free press is an essential foundation for prosperous, open, and secure societies, assisting citizens to access information, exposing abuses, and holding their governments accountable. In these and other ways, journalists play a critical role in sustaining comprehensive security. All participating States ... Read More»
Developments in Montenegro: Statement to the PC
The United States is following closely incidents that took place in Podgorica on October 17 and 18 in relation to ongoing public demonstrations in the Montenegrin capital. We fully support freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, including the right to peaceful protest. We also urge those involved in any public demonstration or peaceful protest to ... Read More»
Freedom of expression, free media and information: HDIM 2015, Session 1
The United States extends its deep appreciation to Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) Dunja Mijatović for her exemplary service. Thank you for your statement today, for your regular public statements, and for your reports to the Permanent Council and Human Dimension Committee on the issues within your mandate. We gather again in Warsaw ... Read More»
Concerns about the Constriction of Freedom of Expression in Azerbaijan: Statement to the PC
The United States is deeply troubled by Tuesday’s decision by an Azerbaijani court to sentence prominent investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova to seven-and-a-half years in prison. We are further concerned by reports of irregularities during the investigation and trial, including the apparent exclusion of witness testimony and other key evidence. This case is another example in ... Read More»
Response to OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic: Statement to the PC
The United States warmly welcomes OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović to the Permanent Council. Thank you for your comprehensive, clear, forceful report. As you noted, journalists in the OSCE region continue to be subject to incarceration and acts of violence, and we’ve seen that impunity for murders and other attacks is ... Read More»
Reply to Russia on the report by OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media: Statement to the PC
Because my country was mentioned I’d like to take the opportunity to reply to a few points made by our distinguished Russian colleague. First, with respect to the treatment of journalists covering Ferguson and Occupy Wall Street, I have spoken on this in the past in this forum, and I would just reiterate that the ... Read More»
In Celebration of World Press Freedom Day 2015: Statement to the PC
On May 3, the world will mark World Press Freedom Day, a day designated to raise awareness of governments and their citizens of the necessity to uphold and protect the right of freedom of expression. Today, regrettably, free press is under assault in some places, and the journalists, bloggers, photographers, editors, publishers, broadcasters, commentators, essayists, ... Read More»
Chairmanship Conference on “Protection of Safety and Integrity of Journalists in the OSCE Region”: Joint Concluding Statement
This statement is being made on behalf of the following 46 participating States: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, the European Union and its member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, ... Read More»
Opening Statement at the Chairmanship Conference on “Protection of Safety and Integrity of Journalists in the OSCE Region”
The United States joins others in thanking the OSCE Chairmanship in Office, Minister Ivica Dačić and the Serbian Minister for Culture and Information, Ivan Tasovac for hosting this conference and for their opening remarks. We also warmly welcome the participation of OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Ms. Dunja Mijatović. This year has begun ... Read More»
Constrictions on media freedom and freedom of expression in OSCE States over the past few months: Statement to the PC
A free press is an essential foundation for prosperous, open, and secure societies, allowing citizens to access information and to hold their governments accountable. Journalists play a critical role in fulfilling this function, and all participating States should support efforts to ensure their safety. Unfortunately, some journalists in the OSCE region continue to be subject to ... Read More»
U.S. calls on Macedonia authorities to address concerns and ensure democratic integrity: Statement to the PC
The United States continues to follow with concern the unfolding events in Macedonia. We call on authorities to demonstrate their commitment to the rule of law, respect for the freedom of expression, and the integrity of democratic processes in Macedonia. We note the serious allegations that have called into question the independence of the media and ... Read More»
Arrests of Journalists in Turkey: Statement to the PC
The United States is concerned by the December 14 raids and arrests in Turkey, which appear to target media outlets that have been openly critical of the current Turkish government. Media freedom, due process, and judicial independence are key elements in every healthy democracy and are enshrined in the Turkish constitution. On the Istanbul Pride Parade (July 10) On Media Freedom in Turkey (Apr. 3) On Blocking of Social Media Sites in Turkey (Mar. 27) We echo the Representative ... Read More»
Response to OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović: Statement to the PC
The United States warmly welcomes OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović to the Permanent Council. Thank you for your comprehensive report. As you noted, journalists in the OSCE region continue to be subject to acts of violence, and we’ve seen that impunity for murders and other attacks is all too common. In ... Read More»
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