Joint opinion statement

by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany,

the British Embassy,

the Embassy of the Czech Republic,

the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands,

the Embassy of the United States of America

As we marked the International Human Rights Day on December 10^th, we were reminded of the global commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of every individual, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Central to this framework is the protection of fundamental freedoms, including media freedom.

Five years ago, the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) was born at the Global Conference for Media Freedom in London. As we mark this milestone, it is not only an opportunity to reflect on the MFC’s achievements but also a moment to renew our collective commitment to defending media freedom—a cornerstone of democracy. Unfortunately, this is also true for Bosnia and Herzegovina, where media freedom is more and more under threat.

I. The Pillars of Media Freedom

Media freedom is not a luxury; it is the lifeblood of democracy and civil society. A free press informs citizens, empowers them to participate in public debates, and equips them to make informed decisions at the ballot box. It exposes abuses, shines a light on corruption, and holds those in power accountable.

But the impact of independent media goes beyond politics. In the economic sphere, it builds trust, reduces information asymmetries, and fosters growth. The European Commission has identified media freedom as a key priority for Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU accession. In its most recent report, however, the Commission noted there has been no progress in this area.[1]

For media to thrive, it must be shielded from political interference and free from the stranglehold of financial pressures. Journalists must be able to work without fear of intimidation, violence, or reprisal. Pluralism in media ensures that all voices—including those of minorities—are heard. These principles are not negotiable; they are the bedrock of a vibrant society.

II. Bosnia and Herzegovina Continues to Face Challenges

The decline of media freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina is alarming. The country has plummeted from 64th to 81st in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index—a warning sign. Politicians openly attack journalists, media regulators face undue pressure, and restrictive laws stifle critical journalism.[2]

Take the re-criminalization of defamation in Republika Srpska, adopted in July 2023. This law, cloaked in the guise of regulation, punishes journalists with exorbitant fines and encourages self-censorship. Proposed „fake news“ laws in Sarajevo Canton pose a similar threat. Though the draft „foreign agent law“ in Republika Srpska was withdrawn in May 2024, it underscored the hostile environment journalists face.

Violence against journalists remains rampant. Threats and intimidation, coupled with the lack of accountability for some of these crimes, further erode trust in the system. The financial collapse of Radiotelevizija Bosne i Hercegovine (the national public broadcaster), alongside with political interference at regional outlets, exacerbates the crisis. The lack of transparency in media ownership compounds the problem, creating fertile ground for propaganda and manipulation.

We stand in solidarity with journalists and media workers in BiH and applaud and encourage their efforts to produce the highest quality journalism on the issues that matter so that citizens are provided with information they can trust.

III. The Media Freedom Coalition: A Blueprint for Action

The MFC stands as a beacon of hope in the fight for media freedom. With 51 member states spanning six continents[3], the coalition works to protect journalists and uphold press freedom globally. Its Global Pledge[4] binds members to take concrete action against violations of media freedom, offering a roadmap for reform.

The MFC’s tools are diverse and impactful:

• Advocacy: By highlighting cases of concern, such as the October 2023 statement on Bosnia and Herzegovina[5], the MFC brings global attention to deteriorating media conditions in collaboration with civil society experts in the Consultative Network.

• Embassy Networks: Coordinating joint actions, including statements, diplomatic interventions, and financial support for media organizations, strengthens efforts on the ground. [6]

• Legal Reforms: The High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom provides invaluable guidance on legislation that safeguards journalists and promotes media freedom. [7]

• Global Media Defence Fund: Through this initiative, since 2020 MFC members have supported over 120 projects around the world, offering legal assistance to journalists and funding investigations into crimes against them. [8]

Bosnia and Herzegovina would greatly benefit from joining the MFC at a future time, leveraging its resources, expertise, and diplomatic networks. However, in order to work towards the prospect of joining the MFC, Bosnia and Herzegovina and both its entities have to take responsibility for improving its media freedom situation in line with their international human rights obligations as well as commitments to media freedom made by all MFC member states.

The MFC would be happy to work with Bosnia and Herzegovina, drawing on the expertise of the High Level Panel of Legal Experts and the Consultative Network, to ensure relevant legislation and domestic measures concerning media freedom and the safety of journalists are in line with international standards.

IV. A Call to Action

Legislation that stifles free expression must be repealed. Transparency in media ownership is non-negotiable. Public broadcasters must be adequately funded and shielded from political interference. Most critically, attacks on journalists must be investigated, prosecuted, and unequivocally condemned by all sectors of society, regardless of political alignment.

Media freedom is not a passive ideal; it requires ongoing effort. Without it, democracy withers, corruption thrives, and citizens are silenced. Bosnia and Herzegovina must rise to this challenge—not only for the sake of meeting EU benchmarks, but also for the future of its democracy and the rights of its people.

[1] Bosnia and Herzegovina Report 2024 p. 7

[2] https://rsf.org/en/country/bosnia-herzegovina

[3] https://mediafreedomcoalition.org/who-is-involved/member-countries/

[4] https://mediafreedomcoalition.org/about/global-pledge/

[5] https://mediafreedomcoalition.org/joint-statement/2023/bosnia-and-herzegovina/

[6] MFC-2023-Annual-Report pp.14.

[7] https://mediafreedomcoalition.org/who-is-involved/high-level-panel-of-legal-experts/reports/

[8] MFC-2023-Annual-Report p. 36.