MUN Topic Research

Press Censorship and Protection of Journalists

Research Questions to Consider:

1. What are my country’s policies on press censorship and how might that affect its
decisions on this topic?
With a press freedom ranking of 138 and a continual fall, India’s freedom of the press may be considered
worrying. However, the low rank was dismissed as “based on opinion or perception” by the chairman of
PCI, Chandramauli Kumar Prasad. Considering the low rank and other concerning occurrences, such as
the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, and the killing of three journalists while working, it can be
concluded that media and press freedom in India may be in danger. Due to the fact the common
dismissal of journalist safety comes from those relatively high in power, it may lead India’s discussions on
the topic to not truly see what’s best for the country’s journalists, and foreign researchers as well.
2. How much freedom of information and speech does my country believe its people are
entitled to?
Although Article 19 of India’s constitution allows for the right “to freedom of speech and expression”,
freedom of speech is not quite absolute in India. The constitution also allows the government to limit any
freedom of speech and expression in India “in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the
security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation
to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offense.” India believes that the people are fully
entitled to freedom of information and speech...as long as it corresponds with the wishes of the
government.
3. How might my country’s interests be threatened by more severe or more lenient
censorship laws?
On one hand, more lenient censorship laws may result in rebellion; the rebellion that is the cause for the
making of sedition a federal crime in 1860 by the British. "Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or
by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or
excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law in India shall be
punished with imprisonment for life," states Section 124 of the Indian Penal Code. However, more severe
censorship laws may result in a different type of uproar, one that may catch the attention of international
media. Just a few examples of consequences of such uproar from severe censorship laws include the
charges of sedition against “a folk singer, students cheering at a cricket game, and the author Arundhati
Roy are just some who have been charged with sedition...Kanhaiya Kumar, the leader of the student
union of Jawaharlal Nehru University.”(Kamdar, PCOIP)
4. What can my country do to protect both foreign journalists in my country and my
journalists reporting in other countries?
As a country whose goal is to protect foreign and local journalists reporting worldwide, India should
increase security and decrease the corruption present in everyday India. The majority of the journalist
cases in India are due to unresolved gang crimes, or mysterious deaths after the reveal of corruption in
India’s system. Working on that corruption, or security of journalists researching delicate topics would
greatly increase the safety f journalists in India, or in any other foreign country.
5. What incidents regarding the safety of journalists has my country been involved in in the
past?
With such strict censorship laws, India has been involved with quite a few cases regarding the safety of
journalists. Some cases include the death of Kashmiri journalist Shujaat Bukhari, the editor of regional
newspaper Rising Kashmir. Another was the death of Sandeep Sharma, a journalist for News World, after
exposing the role of police in an illegal mining case. Navin Nischal(Dainik Bhaskar), Vikas
Kumar(Hindustan), Gauri Lankesh, Tongam Rina(Arunachal Times), and etc, are all journalists either
murdered or heavily injured in India due to false charges, violent gang crimes, or flimsy evidence on the
government's part.
 Questions a Resolution Might Address:

1. What is an appropriate balance of press censorship and freedom of the press?

An appropriate balance of press censorship and freedom of the press would include an ability to state
facts backed up by solid evidence, despite the fact that it may discredit the government or those in power.
As long as the statement or press overage can be backed up by indisputable evidence, and had gone
through several unbiased sources, it is sufficient to publicize.
2. How can the international community ensure the safety of journalists in conflict zones?
The international community can ensure the safety of journalists in conflict zones by establishing rigorous
and regular training, routines and protocols before allowing journalists to report in conflict zones. It would
be important to adapt to certain systems such as medical care, kidnapping safety, and etc.
3. How can we create a solution to the situation that utilizes means within the General
Assembly’s power and does not infringe on other UN committees’ jurisdiction?
Consider making recommendations on the general principles of cooperation for maintaining international
peace, and security. Initiate studies and make recommendations to promote international political
cooperation, the development, and codification of international law, the realization of human rights and
fundamental freedoms, and international collaboration in the economic, social, humanitarian, cultural,
educational and health fields. To ensure that countries do not step over jurisdictions Article 2 was created.
Article 2 is about upholding state sovereignty and ensuring that the UN does not intervene in matters
which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of a member state. However, the Security Council
can authorize enforcement. As long as recommendations are made which do not directly attack the
member state, solutions can be presented and action can be enforced through the security council.
4. What consequences does the mistreatment of journalists warrant and how can these be
Enforced?
Media reporting in general and especially investigative journalism are among the most important sources
of public awareness-raising on corruption. Freedom of the press is a fundamental human right and
several international treaties recognize its importance in the protection of democratic principles. The
mistreatment of journalists restrict their freedom of the press and should be punished with a full on
investigation. If the person has nothing to hide why restrict their freedom of the press, with this
investigation an idea can be built to whether this person is truly deserving of punishment.
 MUN Topic Research
Rebuilding Community Security in Post-Conflict Syria

Research Questions to Consider:

1. What contact have my countries’ diplomats and top officials had with the opposition and
government representatives?

2. Does my country have any stated objectives in Syria?

3. How will my country’s national interests be promoted or threatened by getting a significant

portion of Syrian parties to the negotiating table?

4. What value can my delegation and its allies provide to restore community security in Syria?

5. Where does the General Assembly differ from other committees who are committed to the
Syrian situation as well?

Questions a Resolution Might Address:

1. What conditions would motivate both sides to negotiate?

2. How might community security be restored in a way that does not compromise the existing
geopolitical structural integrity of the region?

3. How would negotiations be set up and in what format would they take place? What incentives
can the UN offer to both the Syrian Government and the opposition?