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 Institutional Response to Threats Against Journalist Vahidin Durić in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Incident Overview

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued a formal call concerning threats directed at journalist Vahidin Durić. The Mission has highlighted the urgent need for a robust institutional response to ensure the safety of the journalist and uphold the principles of a free press.

OSCE Mission’s Call to Action

The OSCE Mission urges law enforcement and judicial bodies within Bosnia and Herzegovina to provide a swift, continued, and effective response to the threats. This action is deemed critical for protecting media freedom and the safety of journalists, which are fundamental pillars of a democratic society and essential for progress towards global development targets.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The situation directly impacts the advancement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The failure to protect journalists and ensure a safe environment for the media undermines national and international commitments to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: This is the most critically affected goal. Specifically, Target 16.10 aims to “ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms.” Threats against journalists are a direct assault on this target, impeding the free flow of information and weakening democratic institutions. An effective judicial response is vital for upholding Target 16.3, which promotes the rule of law and ensures equal access to justice.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: A free and independent press plays a crucial role in holding power to account and giving a voice to marginalized communities. Attacks on journalists can lead to self-censorship, limiting reporting on corruption and inequality, thereby hindering progress towards reducing inequalities within and among countries.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Ensuring a safe working environment is a cornerstone of decent work. Journalists, like all professionals, have the right to perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation. Protecting them is essential for fostering a safe and secure working environment for all, as outlined in Target 8.8.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The OSCE’s involvement exemplifies the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships. International organizations working with national institutions to strengthen governance and protect human rights are key to achieving the SDGs.

Recommended Actions for SDG Compliance

To align with its commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals, the relevant institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are advised to undertake the following actions:

1. Conduct a prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation into the threats made against Vahidin Durić, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice. This directly supports SDG 16.3 (Rule of Law).
2. Implement immediate and effective measures to guarantee the safety and security of the journalist, thereby upholding the principles of SDG 8 (Decent Work).
3. Publicly condemn all forms of threats and violence against media professionals to reinforce the state’s commitment to protecting fundamental freedoms, as mandated by SDG 16.10.
4. Strengthen legal and institutional frameworks for the protection of journalists, fostering an environment where the media can operate freely and without fear, contributing to the overall strength of democratic institutions (SDG 16).

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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

The primary Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) addressed in the article is:

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  
  The article’s core subject is the threat against a journalist and the call for an effective response from law enforcement and judicial institutions. This directly relates to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The safety of journalists is a cornerstone of fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, and access to information, which are all central themes of this goal.

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

Based on the focus of the article, the following specific targets under SDG 16 can be identified:

1. Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
   
   The article highlights “threats targeting journalist Vahidin Durić.” Journalists play a critical role in ensuring public access to information. Threats against them are a direct assault on fundamental freedoms, particularly freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Protecting journalists is essential to achieving this target.
2. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   
   The OSCE Mission’s call for a “prompt and effective response from law enforcement and judicial institutions” is a direct appeal to uphold the rule of law. It emphasizes the need for state institutions to function properly to investigate threats and provide justice for the victim, ensuring that such acts do not go unpunished.
3. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   
   The “threats” mentioned in the article represent a form of violence and intimidation intended to silence a journalist. Addressing these threats is a crucial step in reducing violence against civilians and specific professional groups, thereby contributing to this target.

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

The article implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• For Target 16.10: The article directly refers to a case of “threats targeting journalist Vahidin Durić.” This aligns with 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…” While “threats” are not explicitly named in the indicator, they are a precursor to and a form of harassment and violence that is often monitored as part of journalist safety. The number of such reported threats serves as a direct measure of the safety environment for journalists.
• For Target 16.3: The call for a “swift and effective institutional response” implies an indicator related to institutional performance. An implied indicator would be the rate and timeliness of investigations and prosecutions of crimes and threats against journalists. This measures the effectiveness of law enforcement and judicial systems in providing access to justice and upholding the rule of law.
• For Target 16.1: The article’s focus on “threats” suggests an implied indicator: the number of reported incidents of threats and intimidation against journalists. Monitoring this figure would help in assessing the level of violence and risk faced by media professionals, which is a key aspect of reducing overall violence in society.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: osce.org