NationStates Jolt Archive

Resolution
Education and Creativity
Journalistic Freedoms and Protection of Independent Voices Act
Free Press

The Journalist Freedoms and Protection of Independent Voices Act is hereby assigned to establish basic freedoms and protection for independent journalists and news organizations that may not come under the sphere of government influence. These journalists and news organizations should not be barred from governmental funding if they so request and they should not be disbanded or censored for any reason, especially if they document evidence against the government.

This resolution distinguishes the guiding principle of Freedom of the Press as; Freedom of the press (or press freedom) is the guarantee by a government of free public press for its citizens and their associations, extended to members of news gathering organizations, and their published reporting. It also extends to news gathering, and processes involved in obtaining information for public distribution.

Independent Journalism is effective in U.N member states because it provides U.N member state members with information that has not been edited in any way and informs other U.N member governments’ as well ordinary people about the actual situation going on within their borders.

Article 1:

Threats against Independent Journalism by:

Governments,
Zealous Religious Organizations,
Criminal Organizations,
Terrorist groups as well as
Militias and rebel groups

Should be acted upon by government police forces to ensure the safety of these independent journalists.

Article 2:

An organization classified as Journalists Without Borders should act as a watch dog to watch U.N member state governments and ensure they do not; intimidate journalists with threats of arrest, destruction or seizure of property (especially the means of production and dissemination of news content), torture or murder.

(i)If Journalists Wthout Borders report that journlistic violations for Independent journalism has occurred within a U.N member state, then actions can then be taken by the U.N.

(ii)Actions can include;

(a)Sanctions,
(b)Condemnation by other U.N member states
(c)Threats of being removed from the United Nations
(d)Repeated updates about the situation to a the United nations

Article 3:

(JWB) has the authorization to write up reports every single year on U.N member states about their independent journalists and decide where these nations need to improve, or are perfect at independent journalism

(i)U.N member states have the right to not have this report done with ‘governmental approval’ and they do not need to cooperate with the report completed by the JWB.
(ii)However, harassment and threats to independent journalists would not be tolerated if they work with writing up the report on the said U.N member state.

Article 4:

To reiterate, independent journalism is extremely important and should not be barred from being produced. There should be no reason to ban, independent journalism even if it is racist, or against the government and advocates its downfall. Citizens of U.N member state would be aware not to read such journalistic information.

Article 5:

This resolution is built upon article 2 of the universal Bill of Rights and ensures that U.N member states protect independent journalism just as much as they would protect state journalism.

I am a member that has just applied to join the United Nations and our nation of Ashanu believes we can influence the United Nations and hopefully approve if for the better.

Ashanu U.N delegate

I really don't think the UN should require nations to fund INDEPENDENT journalism.

Rife with RL references, but hey, welcome to the UN, man. Here, have a flower!

http://static.flickr.com/30/53836727_646d092da4_m.jpg

Love, luck and lollipops,
Sheik Larebil bin Cluich
Cluichstani Ambassador to the UN

It is bascially stated in the Universal Bill of Rights. And that is if the independent journalist or organization requests it.

But that has been noted.

Article 4:

To reiterate, independent journalism is extremely important and should not be barred from being produced. There should be no reason to ban, independent journalism even if it is racist, or against the government and advocates its downfall. Citizens of U.N member state would be aware not to read such journalistic information.


Racial slander and calling for the overthrowing of the government are undoubtedly illegal in many countries. This clause, despite its ambiguous wording (is it a mandating clause?)n would appear to allow them.

For that reason, we must oppose this proposal. Although we commend its authors for their overall efforts in favour of a most laudable cause.


Christelle Zyryanov,
Ambassador to the United Nations,
PDSRA

Rife with RL references, but hey, welcome to the UN, man. Here, have a flower!
It is based on RL situations but would be applied to a NS situation.

Open to editing it is just a rough draft.

It is based on RL situations but would be applied to a NS situation.

Open to editing it is just a rough draft.

OOC: You can base stuff on RL all you like, but you can't refer to RL in a proposal.

Article 4:

To reiterate, independent journalism is extremely important and should not be barred from being produced. There should be no reason to ban, independent journalism even if it is racist, or against the government and advocates its downfall. Citizens of U.N member state would be aware not to read such journalistic information.

Revised article four;

Independent journalism should not be barred from being produced except in extreme circumstances. If it appears moderately racist, etc, etc, independent journalists and organzations should not be barred unless it goes against member state law.

OOC: You can base stuff on RL all you like, but you can't refer to RL in a proposal.

That is debatable. The resolution asks to create an organization, that some how has the same name as the organization Journalist Without Borders (RL). Other than that it is based on NS and what could occur and the Universal Bill of Rights, Resolution 26.

I am in favor of this proposal, but I would omit any RL references and also omit the "independent" portion. All journalism, I should think, is worthy of protection.

I would also omit any mention of specific types of speech, such as racism, government overthrow, etc. to give this proposal a better chance of being approved and passing.

Oh, and from one (relatively) new member to another, welcome!

The resolution asks to create an organization, that some how has the same name as the organization Journalist Without Borders (RL).

Unofficially, I'm going to back that up. If somebody wants to create, define, and fund an NS organization called "World Health Organization (WHO)" as a proposal and then a resolution, that would be fine. See IRCO for precedent.

Will look at this in greater detail and with an official ruling when I have more time / energy.

Rife with RL references, but hey, welcome to the UN, man. Here, have a flower!


Your in a remarkably good mood, whats the occasion?

As for this proposal...no. Freedom of the press is an important thing, but it's a difficult issue to legislate on (beleive me, I tried). When you consider all the different veiws of media, and things like journalistic integrety, libil laws, slander issues, propeganda. It's quite clear that an issue so complicated probably couldn't be dealt with comprehensivley without far surpassing the resolution word limit. In the end i think it's an issue best left alone, unless someone has a genius epiphany on how to handle it.

The nation of Havvy, and all of it's people do not like this proposal. Think of everyone who can write whatever they want! That should not be allowed. We don't censor much, ask for a small text and allow 99% of material and asking the other 1% to change a few naughty words or spelling corrections. We do censor do, our TOP SECRET things and have a label known as OFKO. Even mentioning that could get me fired. We are going to vote against, for our Communistic and other Censoring governments.

--Translated from Havian to English--

UN Translator
Jerry Jockerston
Oct. 18th 2006. 1639 GMT -600

The nation of Havvy, and all of it's people do not like this proposal. Think of everyone who can write whatever they want! That should not be allowed. We don't censor much, ask for a small text and allow 99% of material and asking the other 1% to change a few naughty words or spelling corrections. We do censor do, our TOP SECRET things and have a label known as OFKO. Even mentioning that could get me fired. We are going to vote against, for our Communistic and other Censoring governments.
What?

--Translated from Havian to English--
You sure?

I do not see any need to expand upon the previously referenced UBR and the relatively more recent resolution "Freedom of Press (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7030185&postcount=64)".

I would also like to dispute the assertion by the representative of Altanar that all journalism is worthy of protection. Journalism that spreads misinformation is not something that I endorse, and am quite reluctant to protect.

Hellar Gray

I would also like to dispute the assertion by the representative of Altanar that all journalism is worthy of protection. Journalism that spreads misinformation is not something that I endorse, and am quite reluctant to protect.

Ah, but that's a convenient loophole for governments that are keen to keep things hidden from the public eye, or from the UN for that matter. Under that, any government could say that any journalist is "spreading misinformation", and do whatever they want to them, often for less then honest reasons. Who gets to make that decision?

Either you protect all journalists, or none at all. I know which side of that coin I'd rather be on, frankly.

Either you protect all journalists, or none at all. I know which side of that coin I'd rather be on, frankly.Indeed...

North Hack News
We Create, You Purchase!

The Kingdom of Altanar - Shocking news was discovered this day in the Kingdom of Altanar. It seems that the head of House Krytellin is, according to unnamed sources, rather fond of feltching. We'd give details, but we would had to overly offend the sensibilities of our readers. For those who are stout of heart, we recommend that they check the nearest UrbanDictionary for a description of these vile acts. While our only source is a high ranking servent who spoke on terms of anonymity, he clearly stated that it was something of an open secret in the household.

In related news, we've not only seen one 'Jaris Krytellin', self-proclaimed "Scion of the Third Generation" (who, we have reason to believe is actually an escaped inmate from the local insane asylum), imitating these acts, but we also have numerous documents indicating a plan to assassinate Sheik Larebil bin Cluich from Cluichistan, despite the fact that the Cluichistanis have "a freaking Death Star".

More on these events as they develop.

... but we also have numerous documents indicating a plan to assassinate Sheik Larebil bin Cluich from Cluichistan, ...Meh. It's been done (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10890631&postcount=147).

Meh. It's been done (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10890631&postcount=147).Meh. I was making a point about libel.

Meh. I was making a point about libel.Meh. I was being silly.

Meh. I was being silly.Meh. I was... meh.

I was actually amused by the "North Hack News". Then again, I'm not easily offended by such things.

I see the point about libel, but I am still inclined to grant journalists as much protection as possible - even with that risk. Without a strong and independent media, it's entirely too easy to dupe and mislead a populace.

Heh. North Hack will certainly be establishing offices in your nation, then. Or, just as likely, stay in the same place and just make shit up.

...well, not the same place. Their offices tend to get firebombed.

I was actually amused by the "North Hack News". Then again, I'm not easily offended by such things.

I see the point about libel, but I am still inclined to grant journalists as much protection as possible - even with that risk. Without a strong and independent media, it's entirely too easy to dupe and mislead a populace.

Sure, fine. Grant more liberties, but just make sure the press is accountable for whatever they screw up. I'm all for journalistic freedom, and I'm sure the Emperor is going to implement some new laws about that sort of thing soon, just like he opened the borders (http://uf.julianbh.com/viewtopic.php?p=161#161), but I just can't justify giving people free reign to print whatever they want without regard to consequences.

It's easy to say that people have unlimited rights and freedoms, but it's another thing to say that people have to excercise them responsibly. If you misuse your freedom of speech in the Empire, you'll likely be shot for inciting riots and rebellion. It's not that common anymore, but we have had serious problems with galactic-size rebellions.

Temper the press, but not too much.

Landaman Pendankr dan Samda
Ambassador to the UN
Baron of Khaylamnian Samda

OOC: Congratulations, Hack, on managing to mention feltching in a post here! :D

Your in a remarkably good mood, whats the occasion?

Scored some great weed, man. Here, you should have a flower, too.

http://www.phytochemicals.info/pictures/plants/opium-poppy.jpg

Love, luck and lollipops,
Sheik Larebil bin Cluich
Cluichstani Ambassador to the UN

Heh. North Hack will certainly be establishing offices in your nation, then. Or, just as likely, stay in the same place and just make shit up.

...well, not the same place. Their offices tend to get firebombed.

We shall be sure to offer them an office next to a firestation, then, for convenience purposes. ;)

Sure, fine. Grant more liberties, but just make sure the press is accountable for whatever they screw up. I'm all for journalistic freedom, and I'm sure the Emperor is going to implement some new laws about that sort of thing soon, just like he opened the borders (http://uf.julianbh.com/viewtopic.php?p=161#161), but I just can't justify giving people free reign to print whatever they want without regard to consequences.

It's easy to say that people have unlimited rights and freedoms, but it's another thing to say that people have to excercise them responsibly. If you misuse your freedom of speech in the Empire, you'll likely be shot for inciting riots and rebellion. It's not that common anymore, but we have had serious problems with galactic-size rebellions.

Temper the press, but not too much.

Landaman Pendankr dan Samda
Ambassador to the UN
Baron of Khaylamnian Samda

I agree that when a journalist or media outlet is found to be misleading people, deliberately and with malicious intent, that steps must be taken to stop such activity. We do have libel laws in Altanar. But I'm just worried that, far too often, such things are used as an excuse to shut down or eliminate journalists that a government or other entity doesn't like, for whatever reason.

I agree that when a journalist or media outlet is found to be misleading people, deliberately and with malicious intent, that steps must be taken to stop such activity. We do have libel laws in Altanar. But I'm just worried that, far too often, such things are used as an excuse to shut down or eliminate journalists that a government or other entity doesn't like, for whatever reason.

Yes, this is a valid concern and we understand it. We have had a history of shutting down journalists in the Empire, but as the Emperor moves toward more openness and freedom, it is likely we'll see even greater press freedoms.

I'm glad we can agree that journalists must adhere to a standard of ethics and be held accountable for their writing.

And, for the record, I'm skeptical that you enjoy feltching. I pegged you as more of a frotteur. :D

Landaman Pendankr dan Samda
Ambassador to the UN
Baron of Khaylamnian Samda
Dirty Old Man

And, for the record, I'm skeptical that you enjoy feltching. I pegged you as more of a frotteur. :D

Oh dear....I will give the standard politician's response to a journalist...."no comment"

:eek:

Oh dear....I will give the standard politician's response to a journalist...."no comment"

:eek:

Hey, stop rubbing up against me like that!

Sincerely,
Bala (http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/9276/bala8if.jpg)
Cluichstani Deputy Ambassador to the UN

Okay, how *should* I rub up against you? :p

(prepares to duck to avoid being hit by anything)

Okay, how *should* I rub up against you? :p

(prepares to duck to avoid being hit by anything)

You shouldn't, unless you're paying.

Sincerely,
Bala (http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/9276/bala8if.jpg)
Cluichstani Deputy Ambassador to the UN

You shouldn't, unless you're paying.

Sincerely,
Bala (http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/9276/bala8if.jpg)
Cluichstani Deputy Ambassador to the UN

Hmm, I'll have to see if I can clear *that* with the Royal Treasury. :p

Hmm, I'll have to see if I can clear *that* with the Royal Treasury. :p

Tarquin Fin-tim-lim-bim-whin-bim-lim-bus-stop-F'tang-F'tang-Ole-Biscuitbarrel looks on, bemused.

http://www.montypython.art.pl/obrazki/lcmp19-15.jpg

IC: BPL - DRE will vote AGAINST this disgusting thoughtcrime.

OOC: Adds in best Pepe Le Pew impersonation: "But of course!" :D