UNICEF Discusses Right of Information for Children
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund met today to discuss the issue of censoring topics that some nations feel are not appropriate for children; such topics include sexuality and violence. However, some countries argued for children’s rights; the idea that minors deserve to know “everything”. The UNICEF Committee discussed possible options for educating and informing children about these topics without infringing on national sovereignty.
A working paper proposed by delegates from China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia argued for the censorship of all topics deemed controversial by their governments. These delegations stated that the “exclusion from media coupled with the omission from educational institutions will protect the children from such topics”. The children would be gradually exposed as they aged to topics regarding sexuality or violence, and at the age of 18 the child can be fully exposed to the “controversial issues”.
This proposal was met with extreme opposition from the delegations of Ukraine, Argentina, Czech Republic, and Mexico. These delegations argued against the censorship of information, and argued for the distribution of information regarding “controversial” topics via social media, pamphlets, television, and study abroad programs.
The two opposing sides continue to vie for power as the the afternoon approaches, although there is hope that the committee can reach a universally accepted compromise on this sensitive issue.
A working paper proposed by delegates from China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia argued for the censorship of all topics deemed controversial by their governments. These delegations stated that the “exclusion from media coupled with the omission from educational institutions will protect the children from such topics”. The children would be gradually exposed as they aged to topics regarding sexuality or violence, and at the age of 18 the child can be fully exposed to the “controversial issues”.
This proposal was met with extreme opposition from the delegations of Ukraine, Argentina, Czech Republic, and Mexico. These delegations argued against the censorship of information, and argued for the distribution of information regarding “controversial” topics via social media, pamphlets, television, and study abroad programs.
The two opposing sides continue to vie for power as the the afternoon approaches, although there is hope that the committee can reach a universally accepted compromise on this sensitive issue.