The Legal Leaks Toolkit

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, launched a guide for
journalists on how to access government information today, marking World Press Freedom
Day. "The Legal Leaks Toolkit" was prepared by the non-governmental organizations Access
Info Europe and Network for Reporting on Eastern Europe n-ost with financial support
from the OSCE Representative's office.

"Promoting a culture of access to information on an international level is an effective
method to increase government transparency, while raising awareness and promoting
investigative journalism. I will ensure that access to information remains high on the
intergovernmental agenda and keep reminding the governments of the OSCE participating
States of its importance," Mijatovic said.

The guide informs about the rules of access, appeal procedures and other important
aspects of access to information in the 45 OSCE participating States that have access to
information laws.

Marking the first World Press Freedom Day since she was appointed the OSCE
Representative in March 2010, Mijatovic said that she would spare no effort to defend
media freedom.
"To fulfil my Mandate as the only intergovernmental media watchdog, I will not hesitate
to knock on governments' doors to remind them of their OSCE media freedom commitments. I
look forward to an open and constructive dialogue with the 56 OSCE participating States
and I call on all governments to ensure that violence and legal harassment against media
are effectively prevented. In addition, authorities must refrain from any forms of
censorship," said Mijatovic.

More information:
http://www.osce.org/fom/item_1_43721.html
http://www.legalleaks.info
http://www.legalleaks.info/component/rokdownloads/downloads/pdf/6-legal-leaks-toolkit-0410.html