Introduction to the Body

In 1945, the Charter of the United Nations created the framework for the UN, one of the most influential international bodies in the world. One of the ideas set forth in the Charter was the creation of the General Assembly, a set of main committees that would incorporate all member states to discuss a variety of pressing international issues. Today, each of the 192 countries represented in this organ plays a critical role in defining and creating measures to protect human rights around the world.The General Assemblys primary objective is to make recommendations to the international community, compile research and reports on global topics, and raise discussion questions for the rest of the United Nations.[endnoteRef:2] The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM), having been a part of the General Assembly since its inception, is one of the mainstays of the UN. As the name suggests, this committee primarily deals with issues relating to humanitarian affairs and human rights. Some of the commonly addressed topics are, the advancement of women, the protection of children, indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the promotion of the right to self- determination.[endnoteRef:3] [2: "Functions and Powers of the General Assembly." United Nations. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. ] [3: "Social, Humanitarian & Cultural: Third Committee." United Nations General Assembly. Web. 24 Sep. ]

Topic A: Freedom of the Media in Developing Countries

Statement of the Issue

The freedom of the media is one of the most valued rights in the global community. However, in times of political unrest, it is common for governments of developing countries to restrict the freedom of the press in an attempt to minimize dissidence and maintain control over the population. The freedom of the press is defined as the right to express opinions and circulate them without the interference or censorship of the government. This committee will focus on a variety of aspects regarding freedom of the media in developing countries and efforts that the United Nations should take to reinforce and protect it.Limiting access to information is carried out on in different ways, ranging from censoring articles and websites to full-blown violence against journalists. Instances of intimidation, harassment, and violence have increased in recent years. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), 211 journalists were imprisoned in 2013, more than 15 journalists have been killed to date in 2014, and 456 journalists have been exiled since 2008.[endnoteRef:4] Female journalists also face higher risks as victims of sexual violence.[endnoteRef:5] UNESCO reports that in nine out of ten cases of journalist deaths, perpetrators are never prosecuted. Impunity remains a major challenge in the fight for the freedom of the press.[endnoteRef:6] [4: 1065 Journalists Killed Since 1992. Committee to Protect Journalists. CPJ, 2014. Web. 2014. ] [5: UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.NUNESCO. UNESCO, 2012. Web. 2014. ] [6: ibid]

Restricting access for media outlets threatens the rights of citizens by limiting information and institutionalizing ignorance. Access to unbiased and accurate information is key in empowering people and civil society as a whole. It promotes participation and activism in the community, which leads to greater cooperation and accountability in governance. It also promotes the exchange of ideas and debate in the public forum, leading to a more representative government.Developing nations around the globe are facing the challenge of maintaining stability while also respecting the freedoms mentioned above. The issue has become more pertinent in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia, all largely underdeveloped regions with a variety of regime types. It is important that the United Nations prioritizes the freedom of the press worldwide as an absolute right that is vital to freedom of expression. The United Nations must explore possible resolutions that aim to protect the rights of citizens without imposing upon the sovereignty of a state.

Figure 1: Members of the press gather to demand justice for slain journalists.[endnoteRef:7] [7: Ahmed, Firoz.Journalists Rally to Demand Arrest of Sarowar and Runi Killers. Digital image.Demotix. Corbis, 18 Mar. 2012. Web. 2014.]

HistoryThe United States has been a firm supporter of press freedoms, as enumerated in the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution, which was ratified in 1787. The First Amendment prevents the establishment of any law that would interfere with the freedom of speech, press, and expression.[endnoteRef:8] This set the precedent for the rights of the media globally. [8: HYPERLINK "http:/ National Archives and Records Administration. United States, 10 Nov. 2009. Web. 2014. ]

Following World War II, greater emphasis was placed on human rights. The Universal Declaration on Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, included a clause committed to freedom of expression, which includes freedom of the media. Even though the right of freedom of the press is recognized internationally, historically it has not been honored in many countries. The 20th century was marked with censorship and abuses of this right.World War II saw great violations of the rights of the press and thus brought the issue to the forefront. Hitlers Germany included the Nazi Propaganda Ministry, which completely controlled the access to information for the countrys citizens, in order to justify the egregious abuses during World War II. The Ministry was particularly well known for its widespread burning of books considered inappropriate for German and German-occupied peoples.[endnoteRef:9] In the United States, the Office of Censorship monitored all information coming into and leaving the US. Through this vehicle, President Roosevelt and his staff had control over what information the media had access to. After the Pearl Harbor attack, the American press voluntarily censored itself at the request of the US government, which did not want to warn enemies of any military or intelligence actions.[endnoteRef:10] [9: zi Propaganda and Censorship.iUnited States Holocaust Memorial Museum. USHMM, 2013. Web. 2014.] [10: Sweeney, Michael S. Sweeney, Michael S. The Office of Censorship and The American Press and Radio in World War II,hCentral Intelligence Agency. CIA, 2001.. Web. 2014.. ]

The former Soviet Union suffered from strict censorship in the 20th century. Although the century began with decrees abolishing all censorship, it was a short-lived notion. The USSR exercised severe censorship until its demise in the early 1990s. A central censorship office was established, known as the Glavlit, and its role was to strictly control the information shared with citizens. While some leniency was granted towards artists, all publications were under tight restrictions and the import of foreign books was forbidden.

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