Commemorating the One-Year Anniversary of the Murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia
As delivered by Counselor for Public Affairs Elaine Paplos
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
October 18, 2018
I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada and the United States.
One year after the horrific murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the United States and Canada join OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir and others in calling for a thorough, transparent and credible conclusion to the investigation into her death. We appreciate the delegation of Malta’s update, and we continue to call on Maltese authorities to bring to justice all those responsible.
The United States and Canada strongly support the vital role of free and independent media around the world and condemn those who would employ violence to intimidate the media into silence. When such attacks occur, accountability, strong judicial processes, and convictions are the best ways to reassure journalists everywhere that their voices are valued and will not be silenced.
OSCE participating States have established clear principles and commitments on freedom of expression and media freedom. We call on all participating States to fulfill their commitments. As our countries said last week in this Council, journalists face considerable risks in carrying out their work. Violence or the threat of violence must not be one of them. In this context, we applaud the Chair’s intent to seek a draft resolution on the safety of journalists at the Milan Ministerial.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
