The document discusses the roles of the United Nations (UN) and UNESCO in addressing media challenges, emphasizing their support for freedom of expression, media literacy, and the safety of journalists. It contrasts the distinct mandates of UNESCO, which focuses on education and cultural promotion, with the broader issues tackled by the UN. Additionally, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is referenced, outlining its impact on media freedom and expression in Europe.

1. THE ROLE OF
THE UN AND
UNESCO IN
THE MEDIA
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
NurayQurbanova

2. INTRODUCTION:
The United Nations (UN) and the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) play
significant roles in the world of media,
with a focus on promoting freedom of
expression, access to information, and the
responsible use of media for the betterment
of society. Here are some key aspects of
their roles in the media:
THE ROLE OF UN AND
UNESCO ON MEDIA

3. HERE ARE SOME KEY
ASPECTS OF THEIR ROLES IN
THE MEDIA:
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Freedom of Expression: Both the
UN and UNESCO emphasize the
importance of freedom of
expression as a fundamental
human right. They work to protect
and promote this right, which
includes freedom of the press, by
advocating for legal and political
frameworks that support the free
flow of information and ideas.
Media Literacy: UNESCO, in
particular, is involved in
promoting media literacy. This
includes efforts to improve
education and awareness of
media literacy to help
individuals critically analyze
media content and discern
credible sources from
misinformation and
propaganda.
Safety of Journalists: The safety
of journalists is a critical concern,
and both organizations work to
protect journalists and combat
impunity for those who harm or
kill journalists in the course of
their work. UNESCO leads the
UN Plan of Action on the Safety
of Journalists and the Issue of
Impunity.
Promoting Pluralism and Diversity:
Both the UN and UNESCO
advocate for media systems that
are diverse and representative of
the populations they serve. They
encourage governments and
media organizations to ensure that
media content reflects the cultural,
linguistic, and gender diversity of
society.

4. 05 06 07 08
Access to Information: UNESCO
supports access to information as a
fundamental right and a key element
of sustainable development. This
includes working to eliminate barriers
to accessing information, both in
terms of physical access and
technological access, with an
emphasis on bridging the digital
divide.
Promoting Quality Journalism: Both
organizations encourage the
production of high-quality
journalism that adheres to ethical
standards. This includes supporting
training for journalists, media
organizations, and media
professionals to improve their skills
and ethical practices.
Combating Disinformation and
Fake News: The UN and UNESCO
are concerned about the spread of
disinformation and fake news,
particularly in the digital age. They
promote media literacy, fact-
checking, and responsible
journalism as tools to combat the
negative effects of false
information.
Research and Policy
Development: UNESCO
conducts research and publishes
reports on media-related issues.
These reports often inform policy
development at national and
international levels, contributing
to the development of laws and
regulations that promote media
freedom and the protection of
journalists.

5. UNESCO AND THE UN
HAVE DIFFERENT
MEDIA
ORIENTATIONS
UNESCO (United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization) and the United
Nations (UN) are distinct
organizations, and while they share
some common goals and principles,
they have different mandates and
functions. As a result, their media
orientations and approaches may
differ.
UNESCO: UNESCO is a specialized agency of the
United Nations, established in 1945. Its primary
focus is on promoting international
cooperation in the fields of education, science,
culture, and communication. UNESCO is known
for its efforts to preserve cultural heritage,
promote cultural diversity, advance scientific
knowledge, and improve global education.
UNESCO's media orientation often revolves
around issues related to education, culture,
science, and communication. This organization
frequently works to raise awareness of cultural
and heritage preservation, promote freedom of
expression, and support the development of
media literacy and independent journalism
worldwide.

6. In summary, while both UNESCO and
the UN are part of the same
international system and share certain
overarching goals, their media
orientations can differ significantly due
to their distinct mandates. UNESCO
primarily concentrates on education,
culture, science, and communication,
while the UN encompasses a wider range
of global issues, with individual
agencies focusing on specific aspects of
those issues.
United Nations (UN): The United Nations is an
intergovernmental organization established in
1945 to promote international peace, security,
and cooperation. It encompasses a wide range of
specialized agencies and bodies, including
UNESCO. The UN addresses a broad spectrum of
global issues, including peacekeeping,
humanitarian aid, environmental sustainability,
and human rights.
The media orientation of the UN can vary
depending on the specific agency or program
within the UN system. While the UN as a whole
may focus on issues like peace and security,
human rights, and sustainable development,
individual agencies may have their own media
orientations that align with their specific
missions.

7. Prior Restraint: The ECtHR has
consistently held that prior restraint, where
governments try to prevent the publication
or broadcasting of certain content, should
only be used in exceptional circumstances.
Freedom of the media and expression is
highly valued, and restrictions should be
minimal and proportionate to a legitimate
aim.
Protection of Journalists: The ECtHR
recognizes the importance of protecting
journalists and their sources. It has ruled in
favor of journalists and their rights to
protect their sources in cases where
governments sought to compel them to
reveal their sources.
Hate Speech and Incitement to Violence:
While freedom of expression is protected,
the ECHR allows for restrictions on speech
that promotes hate or incites violence.
These restrictions are typically upheld when
they are necessary in a democratic society.
Defamation: The ECtHR has also ruled on
cases involving defamation, finding that
defamation cases must strike a balance
between freedom of expression and the
protection of individuals' reputations. The
court has emphasized the importance of
protecting the public interest.
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4.
EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON
HUMAN RIGHTS AND THEIR
DECISIONS REGARDING MEDIA
The European Convention on Human Rights
(ECHR) is an international treaty adopted by
the Council of Europe in 1950. It is designed
to protect and uphold fundamental human
rights and freedoms in Europe. The ECHR
establishes the European Court of Human
Rights (ECtHR), which is responsible for
hearing cases brought by individuals and
states against the member states of the
Council of Europe for alleged violations of the
Convention.
The ECHR has had a significant impact on
media and freedom of expression in Europe.
Article 10 of the Convention specifically
addresses the right to freedom of expression.
It states:

8. These are just a few examples of the
principles and rulings related to media
and freedom of expression under the
ECHR. The court's decisions are
nuanced and depend on the specific
circumstances of each case, with a
focus on striking a balance between the
right to freedom of expression and
other competing interests, such as
national security, privacy, and the
protection of individual rights.

9. THANK
YOU VERY
MUCH!