The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina calls for a swift and effective institutional response to the threats targeting journalist Vahidin Durić – Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

Report on Threats Against Journalist Vahidin Durić and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Executive Summary

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued a formal call for a swift and effective institutional response from law enforcement and judicial bodies regarding threats targeting journalist Vahidin Durić. This incident directly challenges the nation’s progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly goals related to peace, justice, and fundamental freedoms.

Analysis of the Incident in the Context of Global Goals

The threats made against journalist Vahidin Durić are not an isolated event but a critical indicator of the state of press freedom and institutional integrity. Such actions directly undermine the principles enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which call for safe, just, and inclusive societies.

Direct Impact on SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The safety of journalists is a cornerstone for achieving SDG 16. The threats against Mr. Durić impact several key targets within this goal:

• Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms. Protecting journalists is fundamental to guaranteeing freedom of expression and the public’s right to information. Attacks and threats create a climate of fear that stifles reporting and obstructs transparency.
• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice. The OSCE’s demand for a “prompt and effective response” highlights the necessity for judicial and law enforcement institutions to function impartially and effectively. A failure to act undermines the rule of law and signals impunity for those who threaten democratic processes.
• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence. Threats against media professionals are a form of violence intended to silence dissent and control information. Addressing these threats is essential to reducing violence and fostering a peaceful society.

Broader Implications for Sustainable Development

The repercussions of this incident extend beyond SDG 16, affecting other interconnected goals:

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. A core component of this goal is ensuring safe and secure working environments for all workers (Target 8.8). When journalists cannot perform their duties without fear of reprisal, it constitutes a violation of their right to decent and safe work.
2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The OSCE Mission’s involvement demonstrates the critical role of international partnerships in supporting national efforts to build strong, accountable institutions and uphold commitments to human rights and sustainable development.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The OSCE Mission’s call to action serves as a critical reminder that protecting journalists is synonymous with protecting the foundations of a democratic society. An effective institutional response is imperative to reaffirm Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. It is recommended that national authorities take immediate and transparent steps to investigate the threats against Vahidin Durić, thereby reinforcing the rule of law and ensuring a safe environment for all members of the press.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article directly addresses SDG 16 by focusing on threats against a journalist and calling for a response from “law enforcement and judicial institutions.” This highlights the need for effective and accountable institutions to ensure public safety, provide access to justice, and protect fundamental freedoms, which are all central tenets of SDG 16.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

  The article’s subject is the “threats targeting journalist Vahidin Durić.” Journalists play a critical role in ensuring public access to information. Protecting them from threats is essential for safeguarding freedom of the press and freedom of expression, which are the fundamental freedoms this target aims to protect.

• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

  The OSCE’s call for a “swift and effective institutional response” is a direct appeal to uphold the rule of law. It demands that the justice system function properly to protect a citizen under threat, thereby ensuring the journalist has access to justice and legal protection.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 16.10.1: Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture of journalists, associated media personnel, trade unionists and human rights advocates.

  The article implicitly points to this indicator by highlighting a specific, verifiable case of “threats targeting journalist Vahidin Durić.” While threats are not explicitly named in the indicator, they are a key measure of the safety of journalists. The public statement by the OSCE serves to document and verify this case as an attack on a journalist, which is the type of data this indicator is designed to track.

• Implied Indicator: Timeliness and effectiveness of the institutional response to threats against journalists.

  The article’s call for a “prompt and effective response from law enforcement and judicial institutions” implies that the performance of these institutions should be measured. Progress can be assessed by tracking the speed of the investigation, whether charges are filed, and if protective measures are implemented. This serves as a practical indicator for measuring the effectiveness of the rule of law (Target 16.3) in this context.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: osce.org