On 25 September, a group of international media and press freedom organizations called on Belarus authorities to bring the country’s media environment into accordance with international standards, following the visit of a joint delegation to Minsk on 20-24 September. The group welcomes recent changes and recognizes that pressure on media and journalists has eased. However, they say, this must be translated into a lasting commitment to ensure the rights of journalists and to undertake much-needed reforms of the media environment. Such changes, they add, need to be far reaching and irreversible. The delegation met with media organizations and BelarusauthoritiesBelarus in Minsk to exchange views and assess the current situation of the media, press freedom, freedom of expression and access to information. The participating organizations and signatories to the present statement will present a full report as a contribution to the EU-Belarus Human Rights Dialogue and share it with other international organisations. The organizations stated that they were well aware that economic conditions for media outlets are not egalitarian. Belsayuzdruk and Belposhta distribution systems limit access and circulation of non-state newspapers, and Tthese restrictions hinder the development of an independent and pluralistic media landscape. In addition, the non-transparent and arbitrary allocation of broadcast licences and frequencies hinder the development of independent and pluralistic broadcasting sas these were two of the examples cited. The recommendations are aimed at improving and strengthening the media environment in Belarus for state and non-state media, as well as enhancing professionalism, pluralism and the role of media in a democratic society. The IFJ and the EFJ suggests that editorial independence of state and non-state media must be respected and they should not be targeted for their professional activities, that non-state media should have the right and possibility to operate and develop under fair economic conditions, including the right to be distributed without restriction or discrimination, andthat media, authorities and civil society should continue the dialogue on improving media policies and practices.