By: Hattie Denise Novak, Student Reporter*

The General Assembly Third Committee addresses the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity. Even though some progress has been made within the last five years, over 80 percent of crimes still go unpunished. 

Important first steps to addressing this issue include investment of adequate time and resources and a method to collect and report data of violence or harassment. The Representative of Mexico said, “the United Nations charter along with the Mexican Constitution adequately provides protection for journalists.” Even though Mexico reported the highest number of journalists killed last year, 11, the nation insists it already provides adequate protection of journalists. 

Journalists are tasked with the important responsibility of seeking out the truth and utilizing freedom of the press. However, there is the concern that journalists need to be held accountable to prevent the spread of propaganda and disinformation. Recognizing the need for both, the Republic of Korea said, “we are trying to integrate journalists’ safety with journalist accountability.” The nation is striving to collaborate with other Member States to achieve this goal although exact steps are unknown at this time.        

The threats and violence that journalists receive remain high especially through online harassment. In 2012, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) collaborated with the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly to approve the first strategic Plan of Action to protect the safety of journalists. While this has improved the situation, much progress still remains to be made on this issue.

_{The views and opinions expressed in this article were part of 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., the *East Texas Baptist University or the governing bodies of the states mentioned in the article.}