Topic: Censorship of the Internet
Country: Belarus
Delegate Name: Nik Thorsrud
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Belarus position papers GLIMUN 2010 committees
Since the invention of the internet, information has been available with a single click of the mouse. This is both a curse and a blessing. While most of the content is legitimate, with information traveling the world at light-speed, it can become astonishingly easy to post false, cruel, or other harmful information. There are countries who believe in censorship to protect citizens, and yet others who suggest that internet is included in the fundamental rights of speech and expression.
Ukraine is a relatively new country, gaining its independence in 1991. As a former Soviet State, still has ties with Russia. However, after the Orange Revolution in 2004, the country has become more “Westernized” in its beliefs. The previous president, President Yushchenko, took multiple measures in improving relations with the West. He lead Ukraine to be ranked 108 in its index of press freedom out of 196 countries in a 2009 Freedom House, which is the best rank for any previous Soviet country outside the Baltic. On February 14, 2010, President Viktor Yanukovych was elected. President Yanukovych has given many statements regarding censorship, stating that he will not stand for it. He plans to establish a transparent link between authorities and the media to eliminate censorship as much as possible. Recently, censorship has become a growing concern, despite his reassurance that he will not stand for any censorship. Reporters without Borders released a report on the suppressed news stations. Vasyl Klymentyev, a well-know journalist, disappeared on August 11, 2010, which is also leading to a panic of pre-Yushchenko ideology. Experts do not solely condemn Yanukovych for the recent recesses of freedom. They believe that competition between stations plays a role. Worries are that Yanukovych plans to create within Ukraine a “controlled democracy.” The President has refuted all charges.
As of now, Ukraine would be interested in debating and working toward a resolution to limit censorship as much as possible and advocate for a clear connection between government and media to accomplish this goal.
