Topic: Freedom of the Press
Country: Côte d’Ivoire
Delegate Name: Whitney Morris
School: Royal Oak High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Côte d'Ivoire position papers GLIMUN 2009 committees
The nation of Côte d’Ivoire believes that a strong democracy requires a press that expresses the views of both the government and the people and keeps everyone informed. Unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that in a developing democracy conflicts can often emerge between the government and the press. In Côte d’Ivoire we are struggling to find a middle ground between the 2 groups.
The tension between the media and the government in Côte d’Ivoire results primarily from the current instability of the national government. It is difficult for the government to gain control over its people and govern fairly when it is being undermined by individuals in the media around every corner. As a result, our government has at times restricted the press, but what nation can honestly say that they have not? It is critical that this body recognize the rights of its member nations to control they media within their nation’s borders as they see fit.
It should also be noted by the body that it is not only the developing world that regulates their press. The United States, for instance, has the Federal Communications Commission for that fact alone, regulating the media. Every government does this. The question is how much should be allowed and who should be able to decide that. These are the questions we need to address. The nation of Côte d’Ivoire looks forward to the opportunity to work at this issue with the international community.
