Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting
The role of media in conflict and humanitarian crises, reflecting on International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law
17-18 March Vienna
FINAL REPORT
1 CONTENTS 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2. SYNOPSIS OF THE SESSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .. Error! Bookmark not defined. OPENING SESSION ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. SESSION I: SESSION I: Respect: The role of media in conflict and humanitarian crises, including contribution towards accountability................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. SESSION II: Respond: Addressing challenges in the media and information landscape, including disinformation .................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. SESSION III: Prepare: Building societal resilience through independent journalism and media literacy…………………………………………………………………………………………......Er ror! Bookmark not defined. CLOSING SESSION ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. ANNEX I: AGENDA………………..…………………………………………………………………………….Er ror! Bookmark not defined. ANNEX II: LIST OF SIDE EVENTS: Topics and Conveners……………………………………….Error! Bookmark not defined. ANNEX III: BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Speakers, Introducers and Moderators .......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2 3 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The First Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting (SHDM I) of 2025, jointly organized by the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), took place in Vienna on 17 and 18 March. The meeting focused on the role of the media in conflict and humanitarian crises, including contribution to accountability for violations of international law. The meeting further discussed challenges related to disinformation and the importance of independent journalism and media literacy in this context.
Session I examined the role of the media in documenting violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law. promoting accountability and protecting democratic values during armed conflict. Discussions highlighted the importance of independent journalism in evidentiary processes, the ethical challenges of war reporting, and the need for international mechanisms to protect media actors, including legal reforms and training for both journalists and legal actors. Participants shared insights from Ukraine, countries in South-Eastern Europe and other participating States to illustrate the impact of the media on justice and memory. Recommendations highlighted the urgent need to ensure the safety of journalists, prevent impunity and support journalistic efforts to document war crimes.
Session II explored the complex and evolving threats posed by mis- and disinformation in both peace and conflict contexts, highlighting harms such as public security risks, societal polarization, diminished institutional trust, democratic interference and economic destabilisation. Emphasis was placed on the persistence of information bubbles and the nature of AI, which can enable both algorithmic manipulation and investigative verification.
Speakers during the Opening session on 17 March 2025 (from left to right): Mr. Simo Ortamo, Journalist at YLE - Finnish broadcasting Company), H.E. Amb. Vesa Häkkinen, Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council, Dr. Tea Jaliashvili, ODIHR First Deputy Director, H.E. Amb. Jan Braathu, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, and Ms. Amy Brouillette, Director of Advocacy, IPI – International Press Institute
4 Key challenges include the absence of a universally accepted definition of disinformation, the inconsistent application of regulatory frameworks such as the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), and the misuse of disinformation laws to stifle dissent. Concern was expressed about gender- based disinformation targeting women in the media, which is a growing challenge also in conflict situations.
The role of investigative journalism in conflict zones was identified as a vital tool to counter disinformation. The discussion called for rights-based regulation, platform accountability and the mainstreaming of media literacy and cognitive resilience across all sectors of society.
Session III explored how independent journalism and critical media literacy can strengthen democratic resilience in the face of armed conflict, disinformation and societal polarization. Introducers from Denmark, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, and Finland emphasized that information ecosystems must also evolve to meet new challenges and audience expectations. Constructive journalism was presented as a forward-looking model for diversifying public discourse and rebuilding trust. Meanwhile, regional perspectives from Central Asia and Eastern Europe highlighted the practical, political and security-related challenges facing journalists. Media literacy was discussed not as a remedy, but as a fundamental democratic competence that fosters critical engagement, empathetic dialogue and civic agency.
256 individuals registered to participate in the meeting. The event brought together 205 attendees (90 men, 114 women), including 127 representatives of 49 pS, 5 representatives of 5 international organizations, 39 representatives of 32 CSOs, as well as participants from OSCE institutions and field missions, National Human Rights Institutions and other participants.
2. SYNOPSIS OF THE SESSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OPENING SESSION Opening remarks: H.E. Amb. Vesa Häkkinen, Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council H.E. Amb. Jan Braathu, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dr. Tea Jaliashvili, First Deputy Director, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Keynote address: Mr. Simo Ortamo, Journalist, YLE - Finnish broadcasting company Ms. Amy Brouillette, Director of Advocacy, IPI - International Press Institute In the opening session, Ambassador Vesa Häkkinen, Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council, underlined the personal risks taken by journalists in conflict zones and stressed their indispensable role in documenting violations of international law, including in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. He called for investigations into the deaths of journalists, mentioning Viktoriia Roshchyna, and warned of the destabilising effects of disinformation in times of war. Dr. Tea Jaliashvili, First Deputy Director of ODIHR, reiterated the Office's mandate to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law in co-operation with RFoM. She also underscored how ODIHR and other organizations can advance accountability through monitoring, documentation and public reporting on alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, which ODIHR continues to do in the context of the war in Ukraine. Referring to the Istanbul Declaration, Dr. Jaliashvili emphasized
5 the crucial role of civil society, including in Ukraine, where NGOs have been working with judicial institutions to improve communication about war crimes trials. Ambassador Jan Braathu, OSCE RFoM, noted that while journalists are not judicial investigators, they are increasingly aware of evidentiary standards under international law. Drawing on lessons from the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), he stressed the need to preserve journalistic independence while enhancing contributions to justice processes, and called on participating States to create sustainable mechanisms for the protection of journalists and legal literacy, including among military personnel. Journalist Simo Ortamo (YLE) illustrated how open-source tools and on-the-ground reporting can expose war crimes, such as the forced transfer of Ukrainian children, but warned that journalists in conflict zones remain highly vulnerable to targeted attacks and reprisals. He urged participating States to uphold the protection of all journalists. Finally, Amy Brouillette, Director of Advocacy at the International Press Institute, placed current threats to media freedom within the broader post-World War II human rights framework, noting the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of disinformation and authoritarianism. She called for a renewed political commitment to free media as a cornerstone of peace, transparency, and democratic resilience across the OSCE region.
Ambassador Jan Braathu, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, delivering opening remarks during the opening session on 17 March 2025
6 SESSION I: Respect: The role of media in conflict and humanitarian crises, including contribution towards accountability Introducers: Ms. Yevheniia Motorevska, Head of the War Crimes Investigation Unit at the Kyiv Independent Ms. Selma Zulić Šiljak, Editor, Mediacentar Sarajevo Mr. Tomas Zander, Judge, Stockholm District Court Moderator: Mr. Andrew Gardner, Acting Head, Human Rights Department, ODIHR
The session focused on the crucial role of independent journalism in documenting violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and contributing to accountability during conflict. Yevheniia Motorevska presented the Kyiv Independent's investigations into war crimes in Ukraine, including the deportation of children from Mariupol and torture in Olenivka. She described the use of facial recognition technology, the submission of evidence to international courts and the newspaper's evolving role from anti-corruption reporting to working with justice actors. She highlighted the risks to sources and the trauma of survivors and of working with survivors, and called for the release of over thirty Ukrainian journalists held in captivity by the Russian Federation.
Selma Zulić Šiljak reflected on the media experience in former Yugoslavia, noting how reporting during those wars contributed to accountability at the ICTY. She highlighted the evidentiary value of journalistic material in court proceedings, the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists and the shrinking space for independent journalism in South East Europe. She called for the continued protection of journalistic standards, legal safeguards against defamation and the promotion of media literacy.
Judge Tomas Zander discussed the legal protection of journalists under international humanitarian law, emphasizing that they are considered civilians and should not be targeted in conflict. He outlined the role of journalists in advancing justice by documenting violations and serving as a source of public scrutiny. Drawing on Swedish jurisprudence and the Kosovo 1 context, he called for institutional support, training on standards of evidence and the importance of distinguishing between journalistic work and legal investigations. Zander stressed that journalists are essential to ensuring transparency and justice and must be given safe access to proceedings without fear of reprisal.
Participants in Session I underlined the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding and promoting accountability during conflict. Civil society and institutional representatives highlighted the increasing threats to journalists, including arbitrary detention, defamation and enforced disappearances – particularly in occupied territories. Concerns were raised about politically motivated restrictions on independent reporting, shrinking media space and impunity for crimes against journalists. Several speakers stressed the importance of protecting journalists under international law, increasing media literacy to counter disinformation, and strengthening judicial capacity to handle media evidence. The discussion reflected a broad consensus on the need for coordinated international action to uphold media freedom and ensure the safety and independence of journalists in conflict contexts.
1 All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text should be understood in full
compliance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244
7 Recommendations to OSCE participating States: Strengthen the international legal system and national frameworks to ensure the safety of journalists, particularly in conflict and crisis situations. Promote independent media and ensure their ability to report freely, including through increased financial and political support. Enhance information sharing and cooperation among States to combat disinformation and ensure media resilience in crisis contexts. Reaffirm commitments to the universality of human rights and support monitoring efforts that are impartial and free from political bias. Call for the release of all detained media professionals and ensure accountability for violations against journalists.
Recommendations for OSCE institutions and field operations: Support capacity-building for journalists and judicial institutions in the field of international humanitarian law, including training on documentation and standards of evidence. Promote tools and initiatives that empower journalists and strengthen independent media, especially in environments facing systemic threats. Ensure that OSCE monitoring mechanisms are visible, effective and responsive to violations of media freedom. Uphold and operationalize existing OSCE commitments related to media freedom, including Ministerial Council decisions and the Helsinki Principles.
SESSION II: Respond: Addressing challenges in the media and information landscape, including disinformation Introducers: Mr. Dmytro Khilchenko, Project Director, ERP Media Literacy and Cognitive Resilience Project, Zinc Network Ms. Olga Lubiv, Author, Bellingcat Mr. Stanislav Matějka, Vice Chair, EPRA – European Platform of Regulatory Authorities, Slovak Council for Media Services Moderator: Ms. Deniz Wagner, Adviser, Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
The session explored the growing complexity and severity of disinformation across multiple domains – public health, democratic governance, security and social cohesion. Speakers outlined the multiple harms caused by mis- and disinformation, including its impact on crisis response, democratic institutions, and economic stability. Disinformation exacerbates social divisions, undermines trust in legitimate sources of information, and disrupts national and international coordination during emergencies.
The regulatory and definitional ambiguity surrounding disinformation was an important issue. While instruments such as the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) and the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) provide a framework, enforcement remains uneven, especially outside the EU. Gaps remain in platform accountability, political advertising transparency and cross- border data sharing. Panellists called for more international co-operation and protocols.
8 The discussion also explored the nature of AI in disinformation and journalism. Generative AI can create images, videos and narratives that evade detection, while also providing journalists with powerful tools for verification and investigation. Accountability mechanisms for AI- generated content have been found to be inadequate, raising ethical and legal questions.
Journalists in conflict zones face restricted access, physical threats and online hate campaigns, exacerbated by state efforts to monopolize information. The misuse of anti-disinformation and national security laws to silence critical reporting was strongly criticized.
Participants called for the expansion of media literacy initiatives, especially among groups vulnerable to disinformation. They stressed the need to develop cognitive resilience through education, workplace programmes and targeted community outreach. The protection of journalists, especially women, was emphasized in light of increasing intimidation, harassment, and gender-based disinformation.
Recommendations to OSCE participating States: Establish rapid response teams and cross-border communication protocols to manage disinformation crises. Regulate the responsibility of AI and platforms for disinformation, ensuring compliance with human rights. Institutionalize media literacy in educational curricula and public awareness campaigns. Strengthen protection for journalists, especially those reporting on sensitive or conflict- related issues. Expand support for investigative journalism and open-source verification.
Recommendations for OSCE institutions and field operations: Facilitate structured dialogues on digital regulation, platform accountability, and counter-disinformation efforts. Promote the alignment of national laws with international human rights standards to prevent misuse.
Recommendations to Civil Society and International Organizations: Support implementation of the DSA and EMFA as models for non-EU states. Develop global accountability standards for AI-generated content. Encourage partnerships between fact-checkers, tech firms, and media outlets for real- time monitoring of disinformation.
9 SESSION III: Prepare: Building societal resilience through independent journalism and media literacy Introducers: Mr. Peter Damgaard, Chief Operating Officer, Constructive Institute, Denmark Dr. Elira Turdubaeva, Associate Professor of Journalism, International Ala-Too University, Kyrgyzstan Ms. Mila Corlateanu, Freelance Journalist, Moldova/Germany Ms. Anne Leppäjärvi, Media Literacy Expert, Finland Moderator: Ms. Bettina Ruigies, Senior Adviser, Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Peter Damgaard introduced the concept of constructive journalism as a response to a media culture dominated by sensationalism and negative bias. He argued that in times of crisis, audiences turn to journalism not only for facts, but also for understanding, hope and avenues for action. Constructive journalism adds value by focusing on solutions, covering complexity with empathy and promoting democratic dialogue. Citing examples from Ukraine, Germany and cross-border media initiatives, Damgaard stressed that this approach is not a substitute for "watchdog" journalism, but a necessary complement to strengthen social cohesion. Dr. Elira Turdubaeva spoke about the acute dangers faced by journalists reporting on border conflicts, referring to the example of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. She described physical access restrictions, security threats and widespread political pressure that undermine independent reporting and distort public understanding. Dr. Turdubaeva recommended creating cross- border investigative partnerships, developing legal protection and digital security frameworks, and training journalists in verification techniques, including OSINT and trauma-informed reporting. Mila Corlateanu reflected on the challenges of reporting on developments in Moldova for an international audience, often simplified into a geopolitical binary. She warned against self- censorship driven by economic or political pressures, and called for more nuanced journalism that prioritizes context and public accountability. She stressed the importance of cross-border co-operation and sustained investment in independent media as essential tools for democratic resilience.
Anne Leppäjärvi emphasized the link between media literacy and societal resilience, pointing to Finland's century-long investment in education and civic infrastructure. She framed media literacy as a dynamic and contextual competence, involving cognitive, emotional and ethical skills. Leppäjärvi highlighted the rise of news avoidance and the erosion of public trust as major threats to democratic cohesion. She advocated for empathetic, inclusive journalism that promotes dialogue across divides and empowers audiences to resist disinformation.
The session concluded that independent journalism and media literacy must be seen as twin pillars of democratic resilience, particularly in societies under pressure from conflict, disinformation or political repression.
Recommendations for participating States, OSCE institutions and field operations: Promote constructive journalism as a framework for reporting on crises in a way that informs, engages and empowers societies.
10 Establish legal, financial and digital safety mechanisms to protect journalists, especially in conflict and post-conflict regions. Establish cross-border investigative cooperation and shared verification infrastructures. Integrate media literacy into public education systems and community-based learning at all stages of life. Promote journalism that includes empathy on the part of journalists and civil dialogue to counter polarization and sustain democratic discourse
CLOSING SESSION Closing remarks: Mr. Philippe Tremblay, Director, Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media Dr. Tea Jaliashvili, First Deputy Director, OSCE/ODIHR H.E. Amb. Katja Pehrman, Human Rights Ambassador, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland The closing session reaffirmed the central role of a free and independent media in times of conflict and crisis, emphasizing its contribution to justice, public trust and democratic resilience. Speakers underlined the need to protect journalists and support their role in documenting violations of international law, addressed the challenges posed by disinformation and the need for rights-based and proportionate responses, and highlighted the importance of promoting independent journalism and embedding media literacy to build long-term societal resilience. Concluding remarks emphasised the need to translate commitments into action, the need for the media to remain independent and resilient, and the importance of co-operation between all stakeholders to ensure democracy and security.
H.E. Amb. Katja Pehrman, Human Rights Ambassador, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, delivered closing remarks on behalf of the Finnish Chairpersonship on 18 May
11 ANNEX I: AGENDA
Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting I The role of media in conflict and humanitarian crises, reflecting on International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law Vienna, 17-18 March 2025 AGENDA
Day 1 [12.30 – 13.30 – side events]
14.00 – 15.00 OPENING SESSION Opening remarks: H.E. Amb. Vesa Häkkinen, Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council H.E. Amb. Jan Braathu, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dr. Tea Jaliashvili, First Deputy Director, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Keynote address: Mr. Simo Ortamo, Journalist, YLE - Finnish broadcasting company Ms. Amy Brouillette, Director of Advocacy, IPI - International Press Institute
15.00 – 17.00 SESSION I: Respect: The role of media in conflict and humanitarian crises, including contribution towards accountability Introducers: Ms. Yevheniia Motorevska, Head of the War Crimes Investigation Unit at Kyiv Independent Ms. Selma Zulić Šiljak, Editor, Mediacentar Sarajevo Mr. Tomas Zander, Judge, Stockholm District Court Moderator: Mr. Andrew Gardner, Deputy Head, Human Rights Department, ODIHR
[17.30 Reception hosted by the Finnish Chairpersonship of the OSCE, followed by a film screening]
12 Day 2 [9.00 – 10.00 – side events]
10.30 – 12.30 SESSION II: Respond: Addressing challenges in the media and information landscape, including disinformation Introducers: Mr. Dmytro Khilchenko, Project Director, ERP Media Literacy and Cognitive Resilience Project, Zinc Network Ms. Olga Lubiv, Author, Bellingcat Mr. Stanislav Matějka, Vice Chair, EPRA – European Platform of Regulatory Authorities, Slovak Council for Media Services Moderator: Ms. Deniz Wagner, Adviser, Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media
[13.15 – 14.15 – side events]
14.30 – 16.30 SESSION III: Prepare: Building societal resilience through independent journalism and media literacy Introducers: Mr. Peter Damgaard, Chief Operating Officer, Constructive Institute Dr. Elira Turdubaeva, Associate Professor, Journalism Department, International Ala-Too University, Kyrgyzstan Ms. Mila Corlateanu, Freelance journalist Ms. Anne Leppäjärvi, Media literacy expert
Moderator: Ms. Bettina Ruigies, Senior Adviser, Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media
16.30 – 17.30 CLOSING SESSION Reports from the working sessions Statements by participating States Closing remarks: Mr. Philippe Tremblay, Director, Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media Dr. Tea Jaliashvili, First Deputy Director, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) H.E. Amb. Katja Pehrman, Human Rights Ambassador, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
13 ANNEX II: SIDE EVENTS
Participants of Human Dimension Meetings have the opportunity to organize side events.
The OSCE Chairpersonship and the ODIHR as SHDM organizers ensure availability of meeting rooms for side events, while responsibility for all other aspects, including the content, rests with the side event organizers.
The titles and conveners of side events held during this SHDM were as follows:
Civil liberties under Russia’s attack: Ukraine testifies Convenor: Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the OSCE
The role of media self-regulation during wartime Convenor: OSCE Secretariat
Shrinking Media Space: The Growing Threats to Independent Journalism and Democracy Convenor: Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety
Support or suppression: the complex role of big tech in conflict reporting Side event Co- organised by ARTICLE 19 and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Convenor: Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media
Media Freedom and Captured Institutions in Georgia Convenor: Rights Georgia; Georgian Young Lawyers' Association; Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI)
Media, Disruptions (Conflicts, Technologies), Truth and Reconciliation Convenor: IFIMES - International Institute for Middle-East and Balkan Studies; IFIMES Permanent Representation to Austria and Vienna-based IOs
The crisis of freedom of speech. Persecution of journalists and public activists in Europe Convenor: Information Group on Crimes against the Person
14 ANNEX III: BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Speakers, Introducers and Moderators
Opening remarks Ambassador Vesa Häkkinen, is the Permanent Representative of Finland to the OSCE and Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council. Before his current position he served as Ambassador of Finland to Iraq, in Baghdad (2019–2021). He has served also in Poland, Sweden and Russia. He was the Director for Current Affairs Communications in the MFA 2014–2019. Mr. Häkkinen has worked for the Finnish Foreign Ministry since 1999. Before joining the Foreign Service, he worked as Secretary General in Finnish Alliance of Estonian Friendship NGOs and as freelance journalist. Mr. Häkkinen was born in Lohja, Finland, in 1969. He graduated from the University of Helsinki in 1996 with a Master’s in Political Science (Political History). His military rank is sergeant. Mr. Häkkinen is married. In his free time, he is an active reader. Ambassador Jan Braathu is the sixth OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, appointed in December 2024. Prior to his appointment, Braathu served as Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia from January 2021 to December 2024 and Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo from October 2016 until December 2020. Previously, he was Norway’s Ambassador to Kosovo and Albania, and Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina. His other assignments have included serving as Deputy Director General and Head of the Division for Western Balkan Affairs. Braathu also served in the Norwegian Foreign Ministry’s OSCE Chairpersonship-in-Office Section from 1998 to 2000. He held the role of First Secretary and Acting Counsellor for Economic Affairs at the Royal Norwegian Embassy to the Court of St. James’s from 1993 to 1996. He was also First Secretary at the Royal Norwegian Embassies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia from 1990 to 1993. Dr. Tea Jaliashvili, is ODIHR First Deputy Director. She has extensive experience in strategic policy development, management and administration of technical co-operation programmes in the fields of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, within international, national and non-governmental organizations. Before joining ODIHR, she was acting Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe. She previously served as Deputy Director at the Women’s Information Center in Georgia and was deeply engaged in strengthening the capacity of civil society to protect women’s rights and advance gender equality. She has also worked for the UN, Council of Europe and EU joint initiatives in a number of regions. Dr. Jaliashvili has worked towards achieving peace and a just society based on principles of good governance and rule of law through her contribution to legislative changes as well as policy and institutional development, including strengthening and harmonising the work of the judiciary and National Human Rights Institutions. She has Master Degree in International Human Rights Law, she holds doctorates in medicine and philosophy (MD-PhD) and is fluent in Georgian (native), English, Russian and French. Keynote address Mr. Simo Ortamo, a foreign news journalist working for The Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle. In recent years, Mr. Ortamo has reported on Russia and on Russia's war in Ukraine both on the ground and at the news desk, also by analysing open-source intelligence. He was Yle's correspondent in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2021–2022. Ms. Amy Brouillette, Director of Advocacy at the International Press Institute, IPI, based in Vienna. The IPI is a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists who share a common dedication to quality, independent journalism. Their mission is to defend media freedom and the free flow of information wherever they are threatened.
15 Session I Ms. Yevheniia Motorevska is a Ukrainian investigative journalist, editor, and media trainer based in Kyiv, Ukraine. Since March 2023, she has led the War Crime Investigations Unit at The Kyiv Independent, specializing in uncovering crimes committed by Russian military forces in Ukraine. Previously, she was the chief editor of the leading Ukrainian media outlet Hromadske. With over 15 years of experience in the media industry, Yevheniia is a laureate of numerous journalism awards, including the prestigious IRE Award (USA, 2023) and the Pavel Sheremet Prize (Brussels, 2021). Ms. Selma Zulić Šiljak is an Editor at Mediacentar Sarajevo. She comes from interdisciplinary fields with a master's degree in democracy and human rights in Southeast Europe, and a master's degree in comparative literature and library science. She has been engaged in research and work in the field of social justice, peace building and gender equality, and at Mediacentar Sarajevo she contributes to projects in the field of media education, research and advocacy, focusing on the topics of dealing with the past, gender equality, and media literacy in general. Mr. Tomas Zander, Swedish judge at the Stockholm District Court specializing in international criminal law, where he has presided over several high-profile cases involving genocide and war crimes committed in various parts of the world. His legal career includes serving as a legal adviser at both the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Swedish Ministry of Justice, with a focus on international humanitarian law and human rights. Session II Mr. Dima Khilchenko leverages 15 years of media development, countering disinformation media information literacy expertise. He currently directs the FCDO's 'Media and Information Literacy and Cognitive Resilience' project in Ukraine. Ms. Olga Lubiv, a digital researcher and investigator in the Justice & Accountability team at Bellingcat. Her recent work focuses on investigations of incidents of civilian harm mainly that have followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Syria. Prior joining Bellingcat Olga worked as a tax and legal advisor at KPMG and as a freelance researcher afterwards. Mr. Stanislav Matějka is the Head of the International Affairs Department at the Slovak Council for Media Services, the national regulatory authority for audiovisual media services and a Digital Services Coordinator. In 2025 he serves as a Chair of Working group 5 of the European Board for Media Services dedicated to Integrity of the information space. He has been leading the work of ERGA in the area of addressing the issue of disinformation since 2022. He is also currently a Vice Chairman of European Platform for Regulatory Authorities, EPRA. He previously served as a Hybrid Threats and Strategic Communication expert at the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. Session III Mr. Peter Damgaard Kristensen, MSc in Political Science, is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Constructive Institute (CI), where he has been a key member since its public launch in 2017. As COO, he oversees daily operations, internationalization and the institute’s development projects. His work focuses on the impact of journalism on society and politics, the integration of technology and AI in media, and fostering collaboration between research and journalism. Dr. Elira Turdubaeva has a PhD degree in Media and Communications. She is an Associate Professor of Journalism and Mass Communications Program at International Ala-Too
16 University in Kyrgyzstan. She is a co-editor of a book “Mapping the Media and Communication Landscape of Central Asia”. Currently she is a Fulbright Scholar at School of Communication at University of Miami in Florida, USA and conducting research on “Social Media’s Role in Civic Engagement in Central Asia: Pilot Study of Kyrgyzstan” Ms. Mila Corlateanu is a freelance journalist covering Moldovan affairs for European media. From 2015 to 2021, she worked with DW Akademie in Moldova, leading initiatives to integrate media literacy into formal education curricula and non-formal programs. Now based in Berlin, she also serves as a project manager at n-ost, a network dedicated to cross-border reporting and strengthening independent journalism in Eastern Europe. Ms. Anne Leppäjärvi, an experienced and award-winning journalism and media literacy educator, Anne Leppäjärvi serves as the President of the European Journalism Training Association (EJTA) and is the Journalism Degree Director at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki. She is also a Doctoral Researcher at Tampere University, where her dissertation topic focuses on empathetic understanding as a professional skill for journalists. Additionally, Anne is an Executive Board Member of the International Press Institute (IPI) and an Advisory Board Member of the Media Diversity Research Center (MDRC). Before transitioning to journalism education, she worked as a journalist in various Finnish news media outlets. Closing Session Mr. Philippe Tremblay, Director of the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media after five years as Head of External Co-operation in the Office of the OSCE Secretary General. Prior to joining the OSCE in late 2018, he was a Canadian diplomat for 20 years, working abroad as Deputy Head of Mission and Acting Ambassador at the Embassy of Canada to Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, together with prior postings to Tokyo and New York. At Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa, he was Departmental Chief of Staff to two Foreign Affairs Ministers, Director of Planning in other government departments and fulfilled additional roles in the Protocol, Arms Control/Disarmament and Policy Planning Bureaus. Earlier in his career, he contributed to the mission of other international organizations, including UNODC, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, the Atlantic Treaty Association and multiple G7 and G20 Summits and Ministerial meetings. Philippe was the 2015-16 Canada Fellow at Harvard’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs and holds degrees from Université Paris-1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna and the Université de Montréal.
Dr. Tea Jaliashvili is ODIHR First Deputy Director. She has extensive experience in strategic policy development, management and administration of technical co-operation programmes in the fields of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, within international, national and non-governmental organizations. Before joining ODIHR, she was acting Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe. She previously served as Deputy Director at the Women’s Information Center in Georgia and was deeply engaged in strengthening the capacity of civil society to protect women’s rights and advance gender equality. She has also worked for the UN, Council of Europe and EU joint initiatives in a number of regions. Dr. Jaliashvili has worked towards achieving peace and a just society based on principles of good governance and rule of law through her contribution to legislative changes as well as policy and institutional development, including strengthening and harmonising the work of the judiciary and National Human Rights Institutions. She has Master Degree in International Human Rights Law, she holds doctorates in medicine and philosophy (MD-PhD) and is fluent in Georgian (native), English, Russian and French.
17 Ambassador Katja Pehrman is Ambassador for Human Rights of Finland. Previously, she worked as Senior Advisor at UN Women (2017-2024), responsible for issues related to enhancing gender parity and equality. She was actively involved in implementing and promoting the measures of the UN Secretary-General's System-wide Strategy on Gender Parity in the UN System. She was also the Focal Point for Women in the UN System, responsible for leading and coordinating the work of 650 Gender Focal Points across the globe. Ms. Pehrman has served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Finland to the Organization for Security and Co-operation (OSCE) in Vienna (2013-2017). In that capacity, she chaired the Human Dimension Committee of the Organization. Moreover, she was one of the initiators of the OSCE Wide Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and Co-founder of the OSCE Group of Friends of Mediation. She was also Coordinator of the Helsinki +40 process related to the protracted conflicts. Ambassador Pehrman has previously served as the Chief of Cabinet of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland. Furthermore, she has discharged various tasks at the Political Department of the Ministry, including as the Adviser to the General Director and the Under-Secretary of State, working predominantly with security policy and related issues. Ambassador Pehrman has served at diplomatic missions abroad, such as at the Permanent Mission of Finland to the UN in New York (2003-2007), handling, amongst others, EU Presidency tasks. Moreover, she worked at Finland's Permanent Mission to the OSCE in Vienna during Finland's Chairmanship of the OSCE in 2008 (2007-2010). Ms. Pehrman has more than 20 years of experience in multilateral diplomacy, negotiations and leadership, throughout which enhancing human rights have been constantly at the forefront of her work.
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