COMMITTEE: United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO)
TOPIC: Enhancing Freedom of Press: Addressing Media Censorship
COMMITTEE HISTORY
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United
Nations with the aim of promoting world peace and sustainability
through international cooperation specifically in education, arts,
sciences and culture. It has 194 member states and 12 associate
members, as well as partners in the non-governmental,
intergovernmental and private sector. Headquartered in Paris,
France, UNESCO has 53 regional field offices and 199 national
commissions.1
UNESCO was founded in 1945 as the successor to the League of Nations' International Committee
on Intellectual Cooperation. UNESCO's founding mission, which was shaped by the events of
World War II, is to advance peace, sustainable development and human rights by facilitating
collaboration and dialogue among nations. Notably, some of the issues under the purview of
UNESCO include: protecting biodiversity, responding to artificial intelligence, advancing quality
education, safeguarding heritage, and ensuring access to reliable information.2
HISTORY & BACKGROUND
Under the categories listed above, Access to Reliable Information has been at the forefront of
UNESCO’s mandate since the advancement of digital platforms. With this comes freedom of press
and speech. Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of democratic societies and an essential
safeguard for the free flow of information. It enables transparency, accountability, and citizen
empowerment by ensuring that individuals can access diverse viewpoints and hold governments and
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2
Our history. (2025). UNESCO. https://www.unesco.org/en/brief/history
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powerful institutions responsible for their actions. Defined under Article 19 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, freedom of expression includes the right:
“to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers.”3
This right forms the foundation upon which independent journalism and pluralistic media
ecosystems are built.
Historically, however, freedom of the press has often been challenged by various factors aiming to
control public narratives. Early instances of media censorship can be traced back to monarchies and
empires that sought to monopolize communication channels. For example, the Licensing of the
Press Act of 1695 in old England mandated government approval for published materials,
demonstrating how states have long imposed legal frameworks to restrict press freedom.4 The
twentieth century witnessed further intensification of censorship, particularly during times of war
and political turmoil, with authoritarian regimes and even some democracies using propaganda and
strict controls to silence dissent and shape public opinion.
However, in the aftermath of World War II, the international community recognised that freedom of
expression and access to information are crucial for peace and development. UNESCO was then
founded with the mission of building “defences of peace in the minds of men” through education,
science, culture, and communication.5 From its inception, UNESCO has played a vital role in
advocating for freedom of expression and media pluralism, working through legal support, capacity
building, journalist protection, and ethical standards promotion.
Following this, as the world transitioned, media censorship has evolved into more sophisticated and
multifaceted forms. While some governments still rely on overt measures such as banning
publications, blocking websites, and imprisoning journalists, new challenges have emerged with the
rise of digital media. Internet censorship now involves filtering content, manipulating social media
algorithms, and employing surveillance technologies to restrict access to information. Legal tools
such as vague “fake news” laws are frequently used to criminalize critical reporting, while economic
pressures—including the strategic use of state advertising and selective funding—can coerce media
3
United Nations, “Universal Declaration of Human Rights | United Nations,” United Nations, 2023, .
“England’s Licensing Acts | EBSCO,” EBSCO Information Services, Inc. | www.ebsco.com, 2022, .
5
Fernando Valderrama Martinez, “A History of UNESCO,” Unesco.org, 1995, .
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outlets into self-censorship. Moreover, violence and intimidation against journalists, both physical
and digital, continue to pose serious threats worldwide, undermining media independence and
pluralism.
In response to these challenges, UNESCO’s mandate
has expanded and adapted to the contemporary
media landscape. The organisation advocates
annually for World Press Freedom Day,
commemorating the 1991 Windhoek Declaration
that called for independent African media and
inspired global efforts for press freedom.6 UNESCO
supports states in developing media laws consistent
with international human rights standards and works
to improve the safety of journalists through
monitoring, training, and emergency support.7
Unfortunately, despite numerous efforts like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or the
Windhoek Declaration, press freedom and media censorship has faced a wide range of challenges,
often driven by political, economic, or ideological motives. Authoritarian regimes relied on
state-controlled propaganda and strict censorship to shape public opinion, while colonial powers
imposed restrictive laws to suppress local voices and maintain control. During the Cold War, both
sides engaged in disinformation and silenced opposing viewpoints, and in contexts such as Latin
American military dictatorships or apartheid South Africa, journalists faced imprisonment, exile, or
worse for reporting critically. Even democratic states have, at times, limited press freedom during
wartime or political crises.
The tools have evolved but the underlying goal remains the same: controlling information to
maintain power.
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7
“30th Anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration,” Unesco.org, 2023, .
Image: Windhoek, Namibia, 1991, The Namibian
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CURRENT CONTEXT
The state of press freedom in the 21st century is shaped by both longstanding methods of
censorship and new, technologically sophisticated means of controlling information. While the
principle of a free and independent press is enshrined in international human rights law, including
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), violations remain
widespread.8 The digital era has amplified the speed and scale of information dissemination, but it
has also created new opportunities for state and non-state actors to manipulate narratives, suppress
dissent, and weaken public trust in media.
Globally, governments use a combination of legal, economic, and technological strategies to exert
control over the press. Legal tools often include restrictive media laws, “fake news” legislation, or
defamation cases that carry criminal penalties. In addition, economic fines can make independent
journalism financially unsustainable. Technological controls also range from internet shutdowns and
website blocking to sophisticated algorithmic content moderation and mass surveillance. The rise of
disinformation and misinformation further complicates the picture, with some states using the threat
of “false news” as justification for disproportionate censorship, like in the case of some recent
African elections.9
According to UNESCO’s 2023 Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms, addressing
these challenges requires a delicate balance: protecting freedom of expression while ensuring that
harmful content, such as incitement to violence or targeted harassment, does not undermine
democratic discourse.10 The guidelines recommend transparency, human rights due diligence, and
public accountability for both governments and digital platform operators.
In this context, UNESCO’s role is more vital than ever. Its advocacy, capacity building, and policy
frameworks aim to strengthen the enabling environment for press freedom, support journalists
under threat, and adapt regulatory approaches to the realities of the digital age. However, the current
context makes clear that defending freedom of the press will require not only international
8
“International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” OHCHR, 2025,
https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-covenant-civil-and-political-rights.
9
Marystella Auma Simiyu, “Freedom of Expression and African Elections: Mitigating the Insidious Effect of Emerging Approaches
to Addressing the False News Threat” African Human Rights Law Journal (AHRLJ), University of Pretoria, 2025.
10
“Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms,” UNESCO, 2024, .https://www.unesco.org/en/internet-trust/guidelines.
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cooperation but also local resilience, digital literacy, and public engagement to resist the
normalisation of censorship.
CASE STUDIES
1.​ China – Media Censorship and the Uyghur Population
China’s media environment is one of the most tightly controlled in the world, operating under the
supervision of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The state maintains ownership or direct
oversight of all major news outlets, and private digital platforms operate under strict regulations
requiring compliance with government directives. Censorship mechanisms include the “Great
Firewall,” which blocks foreign websites, filters search engine results, and monitors social media for
politically sensitive content.11 Journalists face both legal and extralegal consequences for publishing
material critical of the government, with accusations of “spreading rumours” or “endangering state
security” frequently used to justify detentions.
A particularly stark example is the suppression of information regarding the treatment of Uyghur
Muslims in Xinjiang. Independent reporting on mass detentions, “re-education” camps, and cultural
erasure has been heavily restricted, with foreign journalists denied access and domestic reporters
punished for attempting coverage. The state has used sophisticated surveillance technology, such as
facial recognition and big data monitoring, to track both citizens and media activities, while online
discussions about Uyghur rights are swiftly deleted.12
2.​ Russia – Digital Repression and Media Restrictions
In recent years, Russia has tightened its grip on the press through a combination of legal,
technological, and economic controls. The government has labelled independent media outlets as
“foreign agents,” subjecting them to onerous reporting requirements and public stigma. The 2024
Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) report revealed extensive internet censorship,
with hundreds of websites blocked, including those of international news agencies, human rights
11
“China’s Great Firewall,” Stanford, 2025,
https://cs.stanford.edu/people/eroberts/cs181/projects/2010-11/FreeExpressionVsSocialCohesion/china_policy.html.
12
“Taking a Closer Look at Media Censorship Using China and the Uyghur Population as a Case Study,” The Organization for World
Peace, January 18, 2021,
https://theowp.org/taking-a-closer-look-at-media-censorship-using-china-and-the-uyghur-population-as-a-case-study/.
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organisations, and opposition groups.13 Russian authorities have also targeted journalists with arrests
and harassment, particularly those covering the war in Ukraine or criticising government policies.
Digital repression has become a central tool of media control. The state employs deep packet
inspection technology to block or slow access to unwanted content, while social media platforms
face fines or blocking if they fail to remove posts deemed “false information.” This approach
effectively isolates the Russian public from alternative narratives and fosters a climate of
self-censorship among journalists. While official rhetoric frames these measures as necessary to
protect national security and social stability, they function in practice to preserve political control
and limit public access to unbiased information.14
3.​ Latin America – Economic Leverage and State Advertising
In much of Latin America, direct government censorship has been replaced by more subtle methods
of media control, notably the strategic allocation of state advertising. A 2024 study by the Global
Initiative on Journalism and Democracy found that several governments in the region allocate
advertising budgets disproportionately to media outlets that provide favourable coverage, while
withholding funding from critical voices. This creates a powerful financial dependency, as advertising
revenue often forms a significant portion of media income, particularly for smaller, local outlets.
This economic pressure fosters a climate where self-censorship becomes a
survival strategy. In some countries like Brazil, independent journalists and
media houses avoid controversial topics, such as corruption, organised crime,
or human rights abuses, for fear of losing state support.15 While this form of
censorship does not rely on explicit bans or criminal charges, it is equally
effective in narrowing the range of public discourse. The Latin American
case highlights how press freedom can be eroded through market
manipulation and political influence, even in democratic contexts where
constitutional protections for free expression exist on paper but are
undermined in practice.16
13
“Censorship Chronicles: The Systematic Suppression of Independent Media in Russia,” Ooni.org, December 9, 2024, .
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15
André Duchiade, “Latin American Governments Use State Advertising to Control the Press, Study Finds,” LatAm Journalism
Review by the Knight Center, November 20, 2024, .
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Image: Cover of the study "Official Advertising, Media, and Freedom of Expression", by Observacom
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FOR THIS SESSION
Delegates are invited to debate how UNESCO and Member States can enhance freedom of the
press by addressing emerging and traditional forms of media censorship. This includes balancing
regulation with media independence, protecting free journalism, and countering disinformation
without undermining civil liberties. Whilst the world is undergoing turmoil regarding the
extra-judicial factors including the killing of journalists like seen in the Middle East, delegates are
encouraged to look at journalism as a whole.
GUIDING QUESTIONS
1.​ How can UNESCO help Member States implement effective frameworks that balance
freedom of expression and the need to combat disinformation and harmful content?
2.​ How should governments regulate digital platforms to ensure transparency and
accountability without enabling authoritarian censorship?
3.​ What policies can address the economic pressures on media, such as the misuse of state
advertising, to safeguard media pluralism?
4.​ How can UNESCO and the international community support independent media in
repressive contexts?
5.​ What role should UNESCO play in promoting media literacy and public awareness to build
resilience against censorship and misinformation?
Written by: Zaheer Sooliman​
Reviewed by: Simphiwe Masilo & Alistair Unterslak​
Global Africa MUN Agency ® (2025)
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