Safeguarding Freedom of Speech in India: Balancing Rights, Responsibility, and Democratic Values

India’s resolution
Subject: Human Rights
The Question of Freedom of Speech:
The General Assembly,

Recalling the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, particularly Article 19, which states the right to freedom of opinion and expression,

Deeply concerned by the growing concerns regarding the limitations on freedom of speech in India, including increased restrictions on media freedom, and the
challenges faced by journalists, activists, and citizens in expressing their views freely without fear of being hurt or criticized,

Acknowledging India’s commitment to democracy and the protection of human rights as embedded in its Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and
expression of one’s opinion,

Noting the efforts made by the Government of India to combat hate speech,
misinformation, and violence in the present, while balancing these concerns with the protection of individual freedoms and beliefs,

Alarmed by reports of harassment, intimidation, and violence against journalists,
human rights defenders, and activists in India for exercising their right to freedom of speech,

Concerned that these developments may undermine the principles of democracy, accountability, and transparency, which are essential for the advancement of peace, development, and social justice,

1. Encourages all United Nations members to undertake legal and institutional
reforms to protect journalists, human rights defenders, and other individuals who
speak out against injustices from violence, harassment, and legal intimidation,
including revisiting and amending laws such as sedition and anti-terrorism legislation to ensure they are not misused as it will protect those who choose to voice their opinions while not encouraging others to use their voice to hurt people

2. Requests United Nations members begin to educate citizens about the
responsible use of social media and the internet, encouraging a culture of critical
thinking, digital literacy, and respect for others’ opinions.

3. Recommends that UN members work closely with international bodies, such as UNESCO and the UN Human Rights Council, to strengthen frameworks that protect freedom of speech globally while addressing the challenges posed by misinformation and hate speech

4. Emphasizes the importance of promoting transparency, accountability, and the
protection of freedom of speech while ensuring that it doesn’t encourage individuals to use it as a method to humiliate or insults another’s opinion, culture or beliefs.

5. Calls on United Nations members to support each other in efforts to enhance the protection of freedom of speech, including through the exchange of best practices, capacity-building initiatives, and strengthening international cooperation in different areas to support freedom of speech on a global scale.6. Requests that all United Nations members encourage freedom of speech among their people but ensuring that the people use is neither insulting, inappropriate or harmful to other people’s reputation, so that this privilege is not mistake as an opportunity to harm others.

Adopted by the General Assembly