By: Hattie Novak, Student Reporter*

Member States of the EU drafted Resolution AA as a solution to address the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity. The operative clauses included in this resolution emphasize women journalists, and how they are more vulnerable in the occupational environment. The solution proposed forms an organization to help the journalists facing harassment find advice, travel information and, most importantly, legal advice. Resolving the legal aspect of the crimes committed against journalists is the primary focus of the resolution. 

Members in support of creating this organization are struggling to find consensus with those outside the Western states, particularly the ones in the African coalition. African Member States feel their specific issues are not being acknowledged and this resolution is too Western leaning. Representative Brooke Miller of Kenya said, “[This resolution] completely ignores the differences in development of the two nations.” Due to the instability and constant state of conflict and high tensions in their countries, they are more concerned about preventing the spread of misinformation and propaganda – although they understand the need for safety for their journalists. “Misinformation is one thing that has been plaguing Africa for a very long time,” said Representative Miller. 

Indicating their willingness to come to a consensus, Representative Bonnie Ray of Italy said, “[they] included a perambulatory clause acknowledging the spread of misinformation attributes to instability in countries that are sometimes conflict driven. We hope that these compromises show how willing we are to work with anybody from any part of the world, and we really want to make this a global resolution worthy of the United Nations.” Representative Nicolas Cavaille of Uruguay, another key supporting state, encouraged all Member States to sign this resolution when they said, “The safety of journalists knows no border, let us unite in this effort acknowledging diverse challenges and offering support where needed.” They stand in strong support of this resolution. 

_{The views and opinions expressed in this article were part of a simulation of the United Nations held from 18 to 21 November 2023 and do not reflect the views and opinions of the American Model United Nations Conference, American Model United Nations International, LLC., *Hattie Novak, Eastern Texas Baptist University or the governing bodies of the states mentioned in the article.}