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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.1 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.2

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 2008.3 Female journalists also face higher risks as victims of sexual violence.4
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.5
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.6

History
The 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.7 This set the precedent for the rights of the media
globally.
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.8 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.9
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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