SOCHUM – COMBATTING THE SUPPRESSION OF THE FREEDOM OF

EXPRESSION DUE TO CENSORSHIP: BALANCING INFORMATION

CONTROL AND DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES

Study Guide - BMUN’24

Introduction to SOCHUM:
The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) is the Third Committee of the
General Assembly of the United Nations. It was founded in 1945 in response to the declaration
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Agenda of SOCHUM promotes and enforces
basic freedoms and ideas that should be shared by all members of the global community,
including the freedom of expression of one's culture, the right to life, the freedom to engage in
politics, the defense of children's rights, and the advancement of social development, among
many others.

SOCHUM does not pass binding resolutions but rather non-binding resolutions that form
careful, well-thought-out, comprehensive recommendations which supply a yardstick for every
country to do or not to do something. All 193 State members of the United Nations are
represented in the General Assembly, and each of them receives only one vote, irrespective of
their level of development, international stature, or population, and this is an essential
characteristic that distinguishes it from the other UN bodies.

Important Definitions with elaboration:

Censorship: is the intentional suppression of communication, information, or creative

expression considered objectionable by authorities. It manifests as restrictions on speech,
writing, art, or media to align with societal norms, moral values, or political agendas.
Proponents argue it preserves order and protects values, while opponents assert it infringes on
fundamental rights like freedom of speech.

Freedom of expression: it is a cornerstone of democratic societies, it is the inherent right of

individuals to articulate their thoughts, opinions, and ideas without unwarranted interference or
censorship. This fundamental human right encompasses various forms of communication,
including speech, writing, art, and other mediums, fostering a diverse marketplace of ideas.

Democracy: is a political system characterized by the participation of citizens in the

decision-making process, typically through free and fair elections. In a democratic framework,
political power is derived from the consent of the governed, emphasizing the principles of
equality, individual rights, and the rule of law. Central to democracy is the protection of
minority rights, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and considered. This system encourages
open debate, civic engagement, and accountability of elected representatives. Democracy
strives to create a government that reflects the will of the people, promoting transparency,
inclusivity, and the safeguarding of fundamental freedoms.

Suppression: refers to the act of forcibly restraining, inhibiting, or preventing something from
occurring or expressing itself. It often involves the deliberate and authoritative control or
limitation of activities, ideas, emotions, or actions. Suppression of information or individual
freedoms implies the exertion of power or authority to curtail or stifle certain elements, often
with the goal of maintaining order, enforcing conformity, or achieving specific objectives. This
term is commonly used in discussions about censorship, social control, and the limitation of
rights or expressions.

Introduction to the topic:

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights. However, there are governments and individuals in positions of
power around the globe that threaten this right. Members of society can create their own
opinions on matters of public significance because it permits the free flow of ideas, opinions,
and information. The right to free speech promotes educated citizenship, open discourse in
public affairs, and a free and independent press. Although the right to free speech is
unrestricted, it does have limitations. This occurs when a right to free speech infringes upon the
rights of another or upon societal norms. Under such circumstances, the government may
legitimately censor or punish harmful speech. Private life infractions, hate speech, obscenity,
public order, national security, classified information, trade secrets, and copyright violations are
a few examples of this.

Our understanding and behavior in the world are shaped by the information at our disposal.
For this reason, the right to freedom of speech and the press are essential, and the exchange
of ideas is a vital part of thriving communities and the advancement of humanity.

UNESCO reports that 62 journalists lost their lives in 2020 alone while performing their duties.
More than 1,200 media professionals died in this manner between 2006 and 2020. Nine times
out of 10, murderers escape justice. Journalists' lives are in danger when they investigate
political or environmental issues, human rights violations, corruption, and trafficking in nations.
Once the Director-General of UNESCO said, “Crimes against journalists have an enormous
impact on society as a whole, because they prevent people from making informed decisions.”
According to another survey, 73% of female journalists reported experiencing intimidation,
insults, and threats via the internet while doing their jobs which negatively affects both their
physical and emotional well-being.

Causes:

1. Dictatorships and failed democracies

Dictatorships in particular fear opposition movements because they may pose a danger to their
authority. These regimes restrict the capacity of individuals, activists, and political groups to
voice dissenting viewpoints and mobilize against the government by repressing freedom of
expression. As of 2020, there are 52 nations with a dictator or authoritarian regime ruling the
country: Three in Latin America and South America, 27 in Asia and The Middle East, and 22
in Africa.

2. Legal Restrictions:

Authoritarian regimes often enact and enforce laws that restrict freedom of expression; these
laws may criminalize certain types of speech, including criticism of the government, and
provide legal justification for arresting and silencing dissenters. There are laws in several
countries that make it illegal to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights or to express one's identity as
LGBTQ+. By singling out a particular set of people based on their gender identity or sexual
orientation, these laws aid in the repression of free speech.

3. Threats and Violence:

Direct threats, intimidation, or physical harm directed towards journalists, activists, or anybody
voicing opposing opinions could result in self-censorship and the restriction of free expression.
In countries like Russia, China, Pakistan, India, North Korea and Turkey, opposition figures,
journalists, and activists have faced arrest, imprisonment, or violence quite frequently.

4. Digital Rights and Surveillance:

In conflict situations and wars, the role of the media is critical in providing the public with
accurate and timely information. Reliable news and photos can help protect civilians and avert
conflicts, highlighting human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law but
the use of digital technologies for surveillance and online censorship has become a growing
concern.
Governments may own or manipulate media organizations, limiting their independence and
ability to criticize those in power for example, in countries like North Korea and Eritrea, the
state directly owns or tightly controls all media. Citizens in these kinds of nations are put under
widespread surveillance both online and offline to stifle any perceived challenges to the
regime. The perpetual monitoring fosters a fearful atmosphere that stifles free speech.

5. International relations:

Expressions that other countries would find controversial or objectionable may be

suppressed by governments. This is especially important in areas where there have
been previous tensions since heated speech has the potential to intensify hostilities.
Economics might also be the driving force behind censorship. Expressions that could
be detrimental to commercial relationships and investment prospects, as well as
economic relations with other nations, may be restricted by governments.

6. Cultural and Religious differences:

- The expression of ideas or thoughts that are deemed insulting or derogatory to

religious concepts and to stop the development of extreme ideas or religious
radicalism, governments may censor speech. This frequently entails censoring
information that is thought to have the potential to incite violence or civil disturbance.
Some governments also establish strict blasphemy laws, for example, Saudi Arabia,
Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Egypt to control hate speech against religions.
- Fears of modernization and the influence of outside ideas might be signs of cultural
differences. Expressions linked to Western ideals or beliefs that are seen as a danger to
established cultural identities may be suppressed by governments.

Short-term and Long-term Consequences:

The suppression of freedom of expression due to censorship can have significant and
far-reaching consequences on individuals, societies, and the overall functioning of democratic
systems. Here are some of the key consequences:

1.Violation of Human Rights:

Freedom of expression is considered a fundamental human right, enshrined in various

international declarations and conventions. Censorship that restricts this freedom can be seen
as a violation of these rights.

2. Stifling of Creativity and Innovation:

Censorship can inhibit the free flow of ideas and creativity. The society where individuals are
afraid to express their thoughts and opinions, there may be a chilling effect on artistic
expression, scientific inquiry, and the development of new ideas.

3. Suppression of Dissent: Censorship is often used by authorities to control or suppress

dissenting voices. This can lead to a lack of diversity in public discourse, hindering the ability of
citizens to engage in meaningful discussions about important issues.

4. Undermining Democracy: Freedom of expression is essential for the functioning of a healthy

democracy. When censorship is used to control information and manipulate public opinion, it
undermines the democratic process by limiting the ability of citizens to make informed
decisions.

5. Erosion of Trust: Censorship can erode trust in institutions, particularly when it is perceived
as a tool for manipulation or hiding inconvenient truths. When people feel that information is
being withheld or manipulated, it can lead to a loss of trust in the government and other
institutions.

6. Cultural Stagnation: Censorship can lead to cultural stagnation by preventing the exchange
of diverse ideas and perspectives. Societies that limit freedom of expression may find it
challenging to adapt to new cultural trends or engage in open dialogue with the global
community.

7. Information Bubbles and Polarization: Censorship can contribute to the formation of

information bubbles, where people are only exposed to certain viewpoints and information that
aligns with their existing beliefs. This can lead to increased polarization and a lack of
understanding between different segments of society.

8. Fear and Self-Censorship: When individuals fear reprisals for expressing their opinions, they
may engage in self-censorship, refraining from expressing their thoughts even in private. This
can lead to a culture of conformity and hinder the open exchange of ideas.

9. Ineffective Policies: Censorship is often seen as a quick fix to societal issues, but it may not
address the root causes of problems. In some cases, it may exacerbate existing tensions by
suppressing discussion rather than fostering understanding.
10. Economic Impact: Restrictions on freedom of expression can have economic consequences,
particularly in industries such as media and entertainment. Censorship may limit the ability of
creative industries to thrive and contribute to economic growth.

Balancing information control and democratic principles is a delicate task, as both are crucial
elements in the functioning of a society. Striking the right balance involves navigating the
tension between ensuring national security or protecting public interests and upholding the
fundamental tenets of democracy, such as freedom of expression and transparency. Some
considerations and potential outcomes when attempting to find a balance are listed as
followed:

National Security and Public Safety:

Increased Security Measures: Balancing information control may involve implementing certain
security measures to protect the nation from internal and external threats. This could include
surveillance programs, intelligence gathering, and monitoring of certain communications.

● Potential for Overreach: There is a risk that in the pursuit of national security,
governments may overreach and infringe on individual privacy rights. Striking a balance
involves implementing measures that are proportionate and necessary for security
without disproportionately infringing on civil liberties.

Democratic Principles and Freedom of Expression:

Open Public Discourse: Balancing information control means preserving the space for open
and diverse public discourse. In a democratic society, individuals should be free to express
their opinions, criticize the government, and engage in discussions without fear of censorship.

Protecting Minority Voices: Democratic principles require the protection of minority voices and
dissenting opinions. Balancing information control involves safeguarding the rights of
individuals and groups to express views that may challenge the majority or those in power.

Transparency and Accountability:

Government Accountability: Balancing information control includes ensuring transparency in

government actions and decisions. Citizens have a right to access information that holds public
officials accountable for their actions, promoting a culture of transparency and good
governance.
Selective Information Release: Governments may selectively release information to the public,
especially in sensitive matters. Striking a balance involves determining what information should
be classified for security reasons and what should be accessible for the sake of accountability.

Media Freedom and Independence:

Pluralistic Media Landscape: A balance between information control and democratic principles
supports a diverse and independent media landscape. Journalists should have the freedom to
report without undue influence, ensuring that citizens receive a variety of perspectives.

Avoiding Censorship: Striking this balance means avoiding censorship that stifles investigative
journalism or limits the ability of the media to act as a check on government power.

Citizen Participation and Informed Decision-Making:

Informed Citizens: A balance between information control and democratic principles promotes
an informed citizenry. Citizens need access to accurate and unbiased information to make
informed decisions about their government and society.

Risk of Manipulation: Governments may attempt to manipulate information to shape public

opinion. Striking a balance involves protecting against misinformation while respecting the
right of citizens to access a variety of perspectives.

Finding the right balance between information control and democratic principles is an ongoing
challenge that requires careful consideration of the specific context, the values of the society,
and the evolving nature of technology and information dissemination. It often involves robust
legal frameworks, checks and balances, and active engagement from civil society to hold
governments accountable.

Laws and Legislations:

The protection of freedom of expression and the limitations on censorship are addressed in
various international human rights instruments. One of the most significant documents in this
regard is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Some key provisions related to freedom of expression and censorship from these documents:
 ● Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): The UDHR, adopted by the United
Nations General Assembly in 1948, sets out fundamental human rights principles.
Article 19 specifically addresses freedom of expression:

"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to
hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas
through any media and regardless of frontiers."

● International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): The ICCPR, adopted in
1966, is a binding international treaty that expands on the rights outlined in the UDHR.
Relevant articles include:

Article 19:

"1. Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference.

2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek,
receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in
writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.
2.1. The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this article carries with it special
duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall
only be such as are provided by law and are necessary:
a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others.
b) For the protection of national security or of public order (order public), or of public health or
morals."

Article 20:
"1. Any propaganda for war shall be prohibited by law.

2. Any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination,
hostility or violence shall be prohibited by law."

● European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR): The ECHR, which entered into force in
1953, protects human rights in Europe. Article 10 specifically addresses freedom of
expression:

"1. Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold
opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public
authority and regardless of frontiers."

The article also acknowledges that freedom of expression may be subject to certain restrictions
as prescribed by law and necessary in a democratic society.

● American Convention on Human Rights: The American Convention on Human Rights,

adopted in 1969, protects human rights in the Americas. Article 13 addresses freedom
of thought and expression:
 "1. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought and expression. This right includes freedom
to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either
orally, in writing, in print, in the form of art, or through any other medium of one's choice.

2. The exercise of the right provided for in the foregoing paragraph shall not be subject to prior
censorship but shall be subject to subsequent imposition of liability, which shall be expressly
established by law to the extent necessary to ensure:
a) respect for the rights or reputations of others; or
b) the protection of national security, public order, or public health or morals."

These international instruments provide a foundation for the protection of freedom of

expression while recognizing that there may be circumstances where limitations on this right
are justifiable, provided they meet certain criteria and are necessary in a democratic society.
Additionally, many countries have incorporated similar principles into their national
constitutions and laws. It's important to note that the interpretation and application of these
principles may vary across different legal systems and jurisdictions.

Case study:

1. Israel (occupied Palestinian land):

● Israel has a diverse media landscape with a range of independent outlets expressing
various political viewpoints. However, concerns have been raised about media
ownership concentration and the potential impact on pluralism. Israel also has a military
censorship system that operates to prevent the publication of sensitive security
information. Journalists may be required to submit certain articles for review before
publication. Critics argue that military censorship may be used to restrict reporting on
certain topics; for example, on the topic of the ongoing Palestinian invasion, hence,
raising questions about freedom of the press. There have been instances of proposed
legislation that raise questions about the balance between security and freedom of
expression. Moreover, there have been countless incidents where the government's
response to protests has been criticized, and concerns have been raised about the right
to peaceful assembly. Furthermore, there have been instances where security
considerations lead to restrictions on certain forms of expression, especially when
related to sensitive political or military issues.
● Suella Braverman, the UK's home minister, advised police chiefs to be "alert and ready
to respond to any potential offences" and suggested raising Palestinian flags would be
illegal in some circumstances. Yesterday, the interior minister of France declared that
pro-Palestinian protests will be routinely prohibited. Additionally, police have issued a
warning against pro-Palestine demonstrations in Sydney after some attendees screamed
antisemitic remarks during an earlier event. The organizers of the Sydney event have
stated that "this behavior has no place at these rallies" and have distanced themselves
from those individuals. In the meantime, Sydney police restricted the movement of
 Jews, ordering them to remain indoors during the initial demonstration. One man
waving an Israeli flag was even taken into custody for allegedly "breaching the peace."

2. Russia and Ukraine conflict:

This conflict is a fitting example of how citizens are facing suppression on their freedom of
expressions. Mainstream media outlets have been tightly under the influence of the Russian
government. Independent media that criticizes the activities of the government is frequently
silenced, particularly when it comes to conflict. The information war has included attacks on
online sites. Restrictions and censorship have affected social media platforms and websites,
affecting the free exchange of ideas and opinions. Numerous media outlets have experienced
criticism, limitations, or even closure.

● Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins called out a video seemingly from the BBC being
circulated by Russian social media users, which claimed Ukraine was smuggling
weapons to Hamas. The video was entirely fake.
● In one case, at the Moscow monument honoring the well-known Russian poet,
playwright, and novelist Alexander Pushkin from the nineteenth century, a lone
protester carrying a poster that read "Give Peace a Chance" and included a crossed-out
image of a bomb was found guilty under Article 20.3.3 and fined 50,000 rubles, or
roughly 642 USD. Even though the protester's placard said nothing about the Russian
army or the war in Ukraine, the court saw it as having a negative attitude toward the
Russian forces and so "discredited" them.
● Reporting on the war in Ukraine was almost impossible for the Russian media. Following
Putin's signing of the March 4 "fake" news law, which threatens to imprison any
journalist who differs from the Kremlin's portrayal of the conflict in Ukraine, the few
remaining independent media outlets in Russia with any significant viewership were
closed, including TV Rain and the radio station Echo of Moscow. In addition, several
Western media sites closed their Russia bureaus, depriving their readers of domestic
news.

● Russian-language content on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other international

social media sites is restricted, and TikTok temporarily prohibits Russian users from
creating new content.
Kashmir Conflict (Pakistan and India):

The situation in Kashmir has been a complex and sensitive issue, particularly in the
context of political and social tensions between India and Pakistan. Kashmir has
experienced periods of unrest, and issues related to freedom of expression have been
raised. Freedom of expression can be influenced by various factors, including political,
social, and security considerations. Reports have indicated instances of restrictions on
communication, internet shutdowns, and limitations on media activities in Kashmir.

Governments imposed restrictions in conflict zones to maintain law and order, but
these actions also impacted freedom of speech despairingly. In the past, Kashmir has
experienced limitations on the flow of information and frequent internet shutdowns as
a means of controlling information flow and preventing communication during periods
of unrest. The shutdowns have affected both mobile data and fixed-line internet
services. Moreover, Journalists and media organizations have faced challenges in
reporting events due to limitations imposed by authorities. During periods of
heightened tension, authorities have implemented communication blackouts as well.
Such actions hinder the ability of individuals to freely express their opinions and access
information.

The use of legal measures to curb dissent or restrict freedom of expression has also
been reported. Laws such as the Public Safety Act and the Armed Forces (Jammu and
Kashmir) Special Powers Act (AFSPA) have been criticized for their impact on civil
liberties. Various human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and
Human Rights Watch, have published reports highlighting concerns about freedom of
expression, censorship, and human rights abuses in Kashmir.
QUESTIONS A RESOLUTION MUST ANSWER

(Q.A.R.M.A)

1. What measures are taken to undertake censorship of information and suppression of

freedom of expression?

2. Should there be any limitations to freedom of expression granted to the citizens?

3. How can societies maintain an equilibrium between preventing the spread of

misinformation and the right to free speech?

4. How is democracy affected by censorship and suppression of freedom of speech and

expression of citizens?

5. What strategies can be used to defend journalists and others who are subjected to
censorship because of their dissenting expressions?

6. What are the global problems caused due to censorship?

7. What legislation should exist to protect the right to freedom of expression?

8. How can academic institutions address censorship-related issues and support a culture
of freedom of expression?

9. How does this resolution enable people to practice their freedom of expression to its
utmost extent without evading their moral duties?
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