TAS Model United Nations
Forum:
United Nations Human Rights Council
Issue:
The question of ensuring freedom of the press in areas of civil and
political unrest
Chair:
Emily Chou
Introduction
In the ever-changing, information-driven society, the liability of said information is undoubtedly
influential. The news received by people, whether in the form of broadcasted news on television or radio,
digital news online or newspapers, is a foundation crucial for upholding democracy and international
respect for human rights. Thus, the protection of the freedom of press is crucial, to ensure the reliability
of information, and the respect for human rights despite civil or political unrest.
Concerns and respect for freedom of the press has existed and perhaps preceded the 18th
century, where freedom of speech and speech was regulated freely under different reigns of European
kings. Following the suppression of freedom of the press in Nazi Germany and the devastating results of
World War II, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the UN General
Assembly which stated that everyone had the rights to freedom of opinion and expression (Article 19).
Definition of Key Terms
Freedom of the press
The right to circulate information in the media in forms such as books, pamphlets, newspapers,
podcasts etc. without restrictions or censorship issued by the government.
Civil/political unrest
(Also known as civil disorder or civil strife) is when discontent people gather to protest – usually
against issues stemming from major societal or political conflicts caused by governmental inadequacies,
including rivaling political powers or unjust regulations.
Arab Spring
A series of riots, armed rebellions and unrest that spread across the Middle East in 2011. The
major origin was the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia, where many turned against the former Tunisian
leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, causing a domino effect in the nearby nations. Counties such as Egypt,
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Yemen, Syria and Libya were involved in such uprisings against the tyranny of the dictatorial political
leaders, economic failures and corruption within the government.
General Overview
Violations of freedom of the press
In areas of civil and political unrest, the assurance of the press’s safety is often neglected. When
the government cannot control the revolts, physical and verbal abuses to reporters, cameramen,
journalists and the like are common; especially when the government attempt to suppress news that
could potentially damage their international reputation and diplomatic relations with other countries.
Physical abuse
Members of the press travelling to areas of unrest are often kidnapped and held hostage,
and subject to physical violence. Many are faced with the threat of unjust detainment, torture,
deportment, and in the most severe cases, murder. In 2013, at least 70 journalists were killed
around the world, many of whom were mostly either reporting in areas with heavy conflict and
combat, or pursued after reporting controversial subjects. Some governments have even sought
to use the military or security forces to control and regulate the press.
Verbal abuse and censorship
The majority of assaults on the press are verbal, and the use of blackmails and death
threats are common to suppress unwanted information from spreading. Moreover, governmental
censorship not only violates the freedom of expression and the freedom of press, but also is
problematic as accurate information from areas of civil or political unrest is vital to the UN and the
public. Furthermore, censorship can lead to widespread misunderstanding amongst the public,
resulting in prejudices based on wrongful or biased information.
Causes of violations
The causes of violations of freedom of the press vary from area to area, and are generally
difficult to trace back to one distinct cause, as many factors contribute to violations. One major
cause can be the lack of federal laws that protect the freedom of the press. Even if such
regulations exist, they are often loosely enforced or not actively advocated and regulated by the
government. In addition, the laws may be ambiguous and often open to interpretation, which
could lead to abuse and violations.
Timeline of Events
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Date
Description of event
December 10, 1948
UDHR adopted by the UN General Assembly.
UN General Assembly declares May 3rd to be the World Press Freedom Day in
1993
celebration of the Windhoek Declaration’s anniversary.
A Tunisian vegetable seller self-immolates after having his belongings seized by
December 17, 2001
officials, sparking a rebellion amongst young Tunisians, in turn starting the Arab
Springs.
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), a conference sponsored
December 10-12,
by the UN, was held in Geneva with the goal to establish an Information Society
2003
for all.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) established a “Free Iranian
February 2, 2010
Journalism” campaign along with organizations such as Amnesty International,
calling for Iran to release captured journalists in Iran.
The International Press Institution (IPI) held its 2013 World Congress in Jordan,
19-21 May, 2013
and focused on promoting the safety of journalists, as the death toll of journalists
in 2012 was unprecedentedly high.
UN Involvement, Relevant Resolutions, Treaties and Events

Declaration of Sana’a, 11 November 1997 – One of the first actions taken for the reformation of
Arab nations, calling for a free and independent press amongst other important ameliorations.

UN Security Council Resolution 1738, 23 December 2006 (S/RES/1738) – A unanimously
adopted resolution condemning any attacks against journalists.

Geneva Declaration of Principles, 12 December 2003 (WSIS-03/GENEVA/DOC/0004) – A
document adopted by the WSIS, aiming to promote the human rights and freedom stated in the
UDHR and to create an all-inclusive Information Society that would be made possible by the
advancements of technology.

Resolution on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, 18 December 2013
(A/RES/68/163) – A new resolution adopted by the UN to combat the serious issues on the
persecution of journalists, condemning all attacks on journalists and proclaiming November 2nd to
be the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
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