Right of Reply to the Russian Federation on Freedom of Expression in Latvia
As delivered by Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Elisabeth Rosenstock-Siller
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
April 22, 2021
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
We remain committed to working with allies and partners to counter disinformation, which is part of the Russian government’s toolkit aimed at destabilizing free societies and expanding its malign influence, including in Latvia.
We applaud the efforts of governments and civil societies to counter Russian disinformation through strengthening media literacy, developing new business models for independent journalism, encouraging a pluralistic media space inclusive of independent voices, and making available alternate Russian-language independent media.
We note Latvia’s leadership in countering disinformation including in multilateral fora. We encourage international focus on countering disinformation in a manner that promotes and protects human rights and fundamental freedoms, which undergird democracies – including freedom of expression, both online and offline.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
###
