Download Human Rights Council Federal Republic of Germany Hareena Kaur

Human Rights Council
Federal Republic of Germany
Hareena Kaur
Topic I: Journalist’s Rights
Safety and Protection of Journalists
The welfare, protection, and informational rights of journalists are issue that is
currently extremely relevant to the German press and society. Dozens of Germans are
joining the ranks of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, an area of great concern for
journalists’ rights and safety. German journalist Jurgen Todenhofer was the first
Western journalist to embed himself with the group in Syria for a prolonged period of
time, ten days to be exact. Because of the heightened safety threats to German
journalists and others from around the world, action must be taken to ensure greater
protection and safety measures for journalists in war zones and dangerous areas as well
as maintain their freedoms of speech, press, and information. The German
Constitution, Article 5 of the Basic Law, protects the freedoms of speech and the press.
As such, the Germany Press Code outlines the details of the ethical standards and
responsibilities of the German Press. Germany believes that any news personnel have a
responsibility to report on events in an unbiased manner to maintain the duties and
respect for the independence of information. The press, while remaining credible and
upholding dignity, has the right to gain accurate information to enlighten the public.
When necessary, journalists in Germany have the right to defend the freedom of
the press. It is extremely important, in Germany’s opinion, that journalists take action
that is in the best interest of protecting the rights of freedom and speech given to them
in order to uphold freedom of independence for the public and its welfare. Journalists
should be given more legal rights to appeal for government information if they feel the
particular pieces of information are necessary to provide urgent, relevant news to the
public on a pressing matter. In nations where journalists’ human and reporting rights
are violated or violence against journalists occurs, a system of accurate, verified
information should be set up to give them access to safety measures as soon as
possible. Legal tools and practices should be put into place to protect journalists,
including an international aboard of investigators and judiciary personnel to fight
exemption from punishment for violence against journalists. News personnel should
have all updated information about the eminent dangers in areas they are present in or
plan to travel to in the near future. The Human Rights Council should focus on taking
advantage of the latest technological advancements, such as GPS, to allow journalists
maximum safety. Organizations or persons found suspect or guilty of violence against
journalists should be reviewed by aforementioned boards of investigators. As a nation
that highly values freedoms and rights for journalists, Germany is in full support of
previous UNHRC resolution A/HRC/RES/21/12, which outlined safety measures and
rights for journalists in 2012, and A/HRC/27/L.7, which followed to strengthen those
measures in 2014 after evidence of increased risks to journalists.
www.ifex.org/international/2014/09/29/end_impunity/
ethics.iit.edu/ecodes/node/3682
www.aljazeera.com/indepth/2014/12/qa-german-journalist-surviving-isil-20141224164752725983.html
Human Rights Council
Federal Republic of Germany
Hareena Kaur
Topic II: Rights of Suspected Disease Victims
German Disease Prevention and Response: A Human-Centered Approach
As lethal viral and infectious diseases seem to be resurging, especially with
outbreaks such as the Ebola hemorrhagic fever and measles, the safety and health of
survivors, including prevention of further disease and emotional health, are of utmost
concern. In recent times, Germany has experienced a measles epidemic, with hundreds
of new cases being reported. Germany believes that standard procedures must be in
place to tackle outbreaks like these, and management of diseases and responses by
other nations can largely affect the extent of disease outbreaks. Prevention of disease is
key to ensuring maximum efficiency and comfort of those affected, especially the
disease victims themselves. Germany continues to encourage disease prevention, with a
97% rate of childhood vaccination, but knows that action needs to be taken in order to
restore health of those who are diseased and eliminate as much discrimination and
social stigma as possible. In regard to HIV/AIDS, Germany has been a leader in HIV
prevention, treatment and care, and support for those affected. Overcoming
discrimination and stigma means that the approach must be very people-centered, with
emphasis on organizations and networks to bring survivors together in support and
unity. Germany firmly believes that it is the responsibility of society and those in power
in the government to aid disease survivors regain good health and overcome social
stigmas and discrimination.
Currently, Germany upholds laws under which the dismissal from employment of
a working and able HIV-positive individual for the sole reason of the disease is classified
as discrimination. In addition, under the German General Equal Treatment Act,
protection is provided against discrimination based on any disability; HIV/AIDS and
presence of other such diseases falls under this category. Germany believes that antidiscriminatory laws and legislature is highly affective in aiding survivors of dangerous
diseases combat stigmas and maintain the healthy lives they once had. Disease
prevention, treatment, care, and support services are important. In 2011, the German
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and development and the Ministry of Health
held a conference to discuss this topic, with emphasis on networks and support for
those living with HIV. Germany has long been largely active in UNAIDS, and promotes
unified international responses to growing epidemics of the disease, especially in
Eastern Europe. Germany has a seven- step process to tackling HIV/AIDS and other such
diseases, and we believe that similar methods, if implemented correctly, can drastically
improve the lives of disease survivors globally and also reduce disease incidence. As
aforementioned, prevention is key; it is most affective when achieved simultaneously
with education. Those at high risk need to be educated about risk factors, symptoms
and safety. As the world becomes increasingly technological, the Internet, computers,
and smartphones can be used to spread this information to more people. Next, testing
for diseases should be more easily attainable. Knowledge of infection can aid in giving
patients a better understanding of their disease and more resources to cope with the
illness and treat it. Then, antidiscrimination laws, such as the General Equal Treatment
Act mentioned above, and societal solidarity and unity are important factors.
Acceptance of those with diseases is key to providing a safe and healthy environment
for survivors. As aforementioned, organizations and support groups are important for
survivors’ mental and emotional stability. Governmental unity and cooperation are also
important. Safety and health of citizens is of high priority to Germany, and the nation is
responsible for aiding the diseased. Epidemiological and medical research should be
started by all nations after combatting a disease and helping survivors to prevent
further incidences.
mic.com/articles/110266/germany-is-showing-the-u-s-the-right-way-to-handle-disease-epidemics
www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=030822c7-be6c-4c5c-8814-7fb6152ce9d4
www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2011/november/20111122berlin
www.bmg.bund.de/fileadmin/dateien/Publikationen/Praevention/Sonstiges/Report_on_the_Action_Plan_to_Im
plement_the_Strategy_to_Fight_HIVAIDS.pdf