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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