NAMUNC IV

SOCHUM Background Guide: Free Speech

Freedom of speech is the ability to speak freely without the limitations of censorship.  The United Nations strongly supports freedom of speech and believes that it is a natural right of every human being.  The United Nations has adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which outlines the view of the United Nations on the human rights guaranteed to all people.  Article 19 of the declaration states that “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.”  The UN has called upon all Member nations to publicize the text of the Declaration and "to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories." 

Freedom of speech is crucial to having an efficient government.  The UN is aware, however, that freedom of speech is not guaranteed or protected for all people.  The degree of freedom also varies within each country.  Typically there is a greater amount of freedom in countries with a democratic form of government.  Free speech allows people to have their voices heard, and the government, in turn, is better able to address their needs.  Dissent without the fear of retribution also allows the people to criticize and initiate reform within a government. 

There is a fine line between ensuring free speech and prohibiting hate speech.  It is uncertain whether or not there should be limitations on free speech.  The phrase "limiting free speech" sounds like an oxymoron.  Some believe that there should be certain limitations on free speech, not based on who has the freedom, but on how much freedom should be allowed.  Promotion of intolerant or subjugating ideas is never acceptable.  It should be up to each government and each people, however, to decide what these limitations should be. 

As we encounter technological advances, new issues are created that have to be addressed.  Policies, therefore, must be flexible or be constantly altered to include the changing circumstances.  A fairly recent advancement is the Internet.  The internet has truly revolutionized our way of life and has made the world much more interconnected.  There is a large portion of the population, however, that is not affected by the Internet.  The amount of access available to a person has much to do with the country’s economic status.  For this reason, many people in developing countries do not have access to the Internet.  For low-income citizens, their way of life does not warrant a place for Internet in their lives.  Freedom of speech on the Internet is an important issue, nevertheless, and it is something that should be discussed.  The borders on the Internet are not as clear, making the solution more complicated and harder to attain. 

In the end, freedom of speech is a vital part and natural right due to every human being. It should be fiercely protected and responsibly used.  It not only creates a more fulfilled individual, but a better understanding of our fellow human beings.  It affects our quality of life, and striving to give everyone the right to it is a goal that can and must be met to ensure a greater global community. 
 

Sources for Further Research