UNITED NATIONS:A United Nations committee Friday adopted tworesolutions, steered by Pakistan in its capacity as Chairman of theGroup of 77 (developing countries), that spell out member states’priorities for the UN Department of Global Communications, fromfighting misinformation to helping states protect the fundamentalrights to expression and opinion.
In doing so, the Committee on Information ended its 44th session heldunder the shadow of the tragic killing of Palestinian-Americanjournalist Shireen Abu Aqleh — who was reportedly shot dead by Israeliforces earlier this week while covering a military raid in theoccupied West Bank.
Pakistani delegate Mariam Shaikh led the efforts to promote consensuson the texts, reconciling differing views and positions on a range ofissues under discussion. The Committee finally approved the two draft resolutions contained inthe session’s report, which was introduced by Darren Camilleri, theMaltese delegate and
rapporteur, and will be forwarded to the General Assembly for adoption.By their terms, the Assembly would urge all countries, organizations of theUnited Nations system and others to take a range of actions in support ofthe free flow of accurate information.
Among other elements, those included specific calls to ensure the free andeffective performance of journalists and resolutely condemn attacks againstthem, and to increase assistance for communication infrastructure andcapabilities in developing countries.The Assembly would reiterate its concerns about the exponential spread andproliferation of disinformation and misinformation and emphasize the needfor all Member States to stand together to address those challenges,including on the Internet.
It would also re-emphasize the importance of ensuring public access toinformation and protecting fundamental freedoms, including the freedom ofopinion and expression, the freedom of the press and the right to privacy.
By other terms of the resolutions, the Assembly would call for intensifiedcooperation with the United Nations system for the effective disseminationof scientific knowledge, best practices and information regarding theCOVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 vaccines.
It would also support a range of activities and programmes of theDepartment of Global Communications, from its strategic communicationsservices to its promotional campaigns to its role in peacekeeping andpeacebuilding and the work of the network of United Nations informationcentres around the globe.
Ms. Shaikh, press counselor at the Pakistan Mission to the UN, speaking onbehalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China, said that asfacilitator of negotiations on the draft resolutions, the bloc sought toensure renewed momentum and support for the Department of GlobalCommunications.
“We believe we have made important progress in this regard,” she said,while thanking the delegates.
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The Pakistani delegate also condemned the killing of Ms. Abu Aqleh, thePalestinian-American journalist, and called for an independentinvestigation into her death.
In her national capacity, she urged the international community to takeurgent action to put an end to the Israeli occupation, which continues tofuel conflict, tension, and instability in the region and remains a matterof grave concern for the entire Muslim world.
“Durable peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through thetwo-state solution and the establishment of a viable, independent, and thecontiguous State of Palestine, with the pre-1967 borders, with Al-QudsAl-Sharif as its capital”.
Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division of the Department of GlobalCommunications, welcomed the Committee’s ability to reach consensus at atime of growing global challenges and rising tensions and divisions,particularly around the war in Ukraine.
Thanking delegations for their hard work and flexibility, he said theDepartment’s work to build support for peace, justice, human rights,equality, climate action and a healthy environment is inspired by MemberStates’ guidance and priorities. “When these are reached by consensus, thatrepresents the spirit of multilateralism.”
Prior to approving its report, the Committee observed a moment of silenceto honour journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh.
Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the UnitedNations, conveyed the sorrow of the Palestinian people at her passing. Hecondemned the Israeli occupation for murdering the Palestinian media iconeven as she was clearly dressed in a press jacket and called foraccountability.
Outlining their views on the contents of the Committee’s report, manydelegates also referred to the death of Ms. Abu Aqleh — describing it as a“crushing blow to truth and justice” — and emphasizing that attacks onmembers of the press are wholly unacceptable. Many called for an urgent,impartial and independent inquiry aimed at holding those responsible forher death to account.
