HUMAN RIGHTS ASSIGNMNET

ROLE OF MEDIA
IN PROTECTING
& PROMOTING
HUMAN RIGHTS
NAME - TANNU SINGH
CLASS ROLL - 51
COURSE - 3-YEARS LL.B HONS,
SEMESTER II
REGISTRATION NO -
202305000160
PAPER - HUMAN RIGHTS
PAPER CODE - LHC 3.2.5
Introduction
When it comes to human rights, people know about entities like the United Nations,
governments, and NGOs. However, the media plays a significant role as well. In any form, the
media can raise awareness of human rights issues, expose violations, and empower people to
take action. The media can also negatively impact human rights. Whether it’s making a positive
or negative impact, the role of the media should be understood.

What is “Media?”
Media refers to the means of communication that reach large numbers of people, such as
television, radio, newspapers, and increasingly social media. On the other hand, traditional media
or old media includes print media, radio broadcasting, and television. It generally refers to media
that existed before the late 1990s.

What is “Human Rights?”

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to, regardless of
nationality, gender, race, religion, or any other status. These rights include civil and political
rights like the right to life and liberty, freedom of expression, and fair legal rights. They also
include economic, social, and cultural rights like the right to work, education, and health.

The Media’s Connection (and Responsibility) to Human Rights

Media exposes instances of Human Rights violations and provides a platform for various voices
to be heard via public discourse. In fact, having access to media itself is a human right that we
are entitled to.

Article 19 of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights reads: “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.”
Thus, media access is a human right, but what obligation does the media have to uphold human
rights? Human rights cannot exist without free media because, without knowledge, people will
not be able to learn about events taking place locally, nationally, or worldwide. Ignorance will
limit their capacity to react to laws, regulations, and events, including abuses of human rights.
Therefore, free media must share information and help in providing the general public with a
comprehensible explanation of that information. It is also the responsibility of the media to hold
the authority in power accountable.

The communication revolution and convergence of information and communication technology

have made it a very powerful & potent force today. The news media has accelerated beyond
imagination, providing us with information on a real-time basis.

Media as the Fourth Estate

Media is regarded as the fourth estate complementing the efforts of the other three wings of the
State, i.e. Legislature, Executive & Judiciary.

In a democratic society, media has a multi-faceted & critical role which includes among other
things:

1. Defending democracy & democratic values.

2. Changing the mindset & attitudes of the people.
3. Shaping ideas, public opinions, & attitudes.
4. Acting as an instrument of social change.
5. Foster understanding between communities & social groups.
6. To act as a public watchdog.
7. To act as a key instrument against the tyranny of authority, narrowmindedness, ideologies
of extremism, communism, hate, and disaffection.

The aim of journalism is not to please those who hold power & position or to function as a
mouthpiece of various governments. Rather, it is the duty of true & responsible journalists to
provide the people with an accurate & impartial presentation of news and also to guard against
untruthful news and its publication. Journalists report, investigate & analyze and they inform the
country about politics, religion, arts, sports, entertainment, etc.

Free media and freedom of knowledge, and expression are key components of a functioning
democracy. Freedom of the medium is additionally essential for the protection of all human
rights.

Investigative Journalism
One of the facets of media is investigative journalism. It acts as the key to promoting as well as
protecting human rights. Investigative journalism puts the spotlight on abuses of power, finding
stories that are flying under the radar and sharing them in the public interest.

In-depth reports by Indian journalists have revealed human rights issues like state-sponsored
violence, prisoner abuse, and extra-judicial killings bringing them to the mainstream discourse.
The Anil Yadav & Ors vs State Of Bihar & Anr on 23 March 1982 is a clear example in this
context.

Anil Yadav & Ors vs State Of Bihar & Anr on 23 March 1982

This extreme case showcased the brutalities that the 33 suspected criminals sustained by being
blinded by the police by putting acid into their eyes. All the blinded men were brought to Delhi
for medical treatment and the court also ordered speedy prosecution of the guilty policemen. The
court also read the right to free legal aid as a fundamental right of every accused. Anil Yadav
signaled the growth of social activism and investigative litigation.

Media’s Role in Exposing Corruption & Human Rights Violations

There are many instances where the media has exposed instances of political or corporate
corruption without fear which hampers economic, social & and cultural rights.
Here are a few powerful examples of how media exposure has tackled corruption and protected
human rights:

1. The Panama Papers (2016): A massive leak of financial documents revealed the hidden
wealth and tax evasion schemes of powerful individuals and corporations worldwide. This global
exposé sparked public outrage and investigations, leading to improved transparency and
accountability in financial systems.

2. Pegasus Project Surveillance Scandal (2021): The media played a key role in exposing the
alleged illegal surveillance of journalists, activists, and politicians through Pegasus spyware.
This led to widespread criticism of the government and calls for stronger data privacy laws.

Media and Women's Rights

In the current scenario, the media, especially social media, acts as a double-edged sword, both
raising awareness about women's rights and voicing against crimes against women. Media
coverage of violence against women, like the Hathras case, sparks national outrage and pushes
for legal action. Stories about discrimination and inequality educate the public and fuel
movements like #MeToo.

Media platforms provide a space for women from marginalized communities to speak their truth,
challenging social norms and advocating for change. Documentaries and films like "Period. End
of Sentence." break taboos and spark conversations about women's health and hygiene.

Another landmark instance of the media’s extensive coverage of crime against women is the
Nirbhaya Rape Case.

We can see thousands of people raise their voices against the injustice in social media.
Thousands of tweets were tweeted on social media. Many people have shared their views on
social media. Social media also helps to get her justice and raise her voice. It also pressures the
government to improve its policy or work. After the Nirbhaya criminal law was amended by the
government. Social media helps a lot to change politics.
Media’s Role in Demolishing Traditional Harmful Practices
Media has played an important role in fighting traditional and harmful practices like child
marriage, sati, manual scavenging, and dowry deaths.

Media and NHRC

If used in the right way, media can act as a bridge between communities. Free and healthy media
is an important tool to help in times of crisis to give an alarm to the people as well as the
government.

The Flip Side of Media - The Darker Side

Media can also have some negative impacts on society. Its misuse can create disharmony &
divisions causing human rights violations.

● The sensational and inflammatory language used by the press can incite violence and
contribute to communal riots by shaping public opinion negatively.
● The repetitive display of provocative visuals while reporting incidents often exacerbates
tensions and causes communal clashes.
● Most news coverage is dominated by politics, sports, crime, and entertainment stories
which take precedence over crucial issues like health, education, development, welfare,
and the environment.
● It is estimated that only about 25% of news bulletins cover stories related to health,
education, welfare, and other development issues.
● High-decibel media campaigns and narratives in some cases influence the judiciary's
determination of the outcomes of important cases.
● This skews coverage towards certain types of news over others and affects the wider
discourse.

Conclusion
Media must give voice to the voiceless and the silent victims. It must play a constructive role in
moderation, and consensus building rather than sharpening disagreements. It must articulate &
liberal values and empower liberalism. The media campaign needs to be extended to the very
poor sections of society that never get access to justice. If used properly, it can act as a great
power to expose human rights violations & secure justice.

Reference Links:

Anil Yadav & Ors vs State Of Bihar & Anr on 23 March 1982:
https://main.sci.gov.in/jonew/judis/9909.pdf

Pegasus Project surveillance scandal (2021):

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/12/india-damning-new-forensic-investigation-reve
als-repeated-use-of-pegasus-spyware-to-target-high-profile-journalists/#:~:text=In%202021%2C
%20as%20part%20of,Pegasus%20spyware%2C%20including%20Siddharth%20Varadarajan.

'Period. End of Sentence': Transforming a Taboo into a Cause:

https://www.documentary.org/online-feature/period-end-sentence-transforming-taboo-cause

Media’s role in promoting women’s rights:

https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-10692-social-media-a-force-for-political-and-hu
man-rights-changes-worldwide.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLDYH9McmFw&ab_channel=e-Content%3ASocialScience