Central Asian Media Conference focuses on media freedom

The 17th Central Asian Media Conference, which took place last week in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, focussed on the impact of digitalisation on media freedom.

Approximately 70 participants, including government representatives and media experts, took part in a range of discussions on the effects of digitalisation on media pluralism and freedom in the region. Representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia were present at the event.

The conference was organised by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, who addressed the participants.

Ms Mijatović highlighted that the issue of internet freedom remains one of the greatest challenges, citing particular concerns about the blocking of websites and social networks in the region.

“Keeping the internet free is vital for exercising the basic right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media. These rights are the same, regardless of whether they are exercised online or offline,” she stated.

The 17th Central Asian Media Conference took place from 19 – 20 November. The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observea media developments in the 57 participating member states of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, providing warning on violations of freedom of expression.

Source: ASIA-Plus