Country: Republic of Belarus
Agenda: Safeguarding journalists and upholding press freedom in the face of authoritarian
pressures
Committee: United Nations Human Rights Council
The Republic of Belarus recognizes the critical role of journalism in disseminating information
and shaping public discourse. Article 33 of the constitution of Belarus states that everyone is
guaranteed freedom of opinion, belief, and expression. Article 34 of the same states that citizens
shall be guaranteed the right to receive, keep and disseminate complete, reliable, and timely
information on the activities of state bodies, on political, economical, cultural, and international
life and on state of environment.
Belarus maintains that the state has a legitimate interest in maintaining stability and social order
in times of political and social tension. Some elements of the media, both domestic and foreign
funded, played a role in escalating public disorder and spreading false or misleading narratives
which Belarus considers violations of journalistic ethics. The government took steps to ensure
national security and sovereignty by introducing media regulations, foreign agent laws and
counter disinformation measures. These actions were conducted in alignment with Belarus’s
domestic legal framework and were aimed not at silencing free expression but at curbing
extremism, foreign interference and information warfare. Therefore while upholding
journalistic freedom, each country must have the right to regulate its media landscape
according to its national content.
The Republic of Belarus recognizes its national sovereignty, cultural context and internal
stability must guide the implementation of media freedom. Belarusian law prioritizes national
security in ways that significantly impact the media environment and restrict press freedom
according to Reporters Sans Frontiers (RSF). While the International Community emphasizes
freedom of press, Belarus asserts that this right must be balanced with the state's responsibility
to maintain social order, prevent misinformation, and safeguard national interest.And in order
to do this some laws have been implemented by the Belarusian Government.
Like laws on Mass Media which was last amended in 2023, gives the government broad powers
to control and regulate media sector. The government maintains a tight control over internet
access and online contents. And amendments to laws such as laws on Mass Events prohibits
the journalists from live streaming or covering unauthorized protests.
The laws effectively eliminate independent journalism labelling media outlets as “extremist”.
The government has tightened control over misinformation dissemination by blocking websites
and shutting down independent media outlets leaving a narrow space for reporting according
to EIPI media.
Government has continued blocking online news and information resources, including virtually
all independent media and civil society websites. The Rights group Human Constanta found
that there were over 10,000 blocked sites by the end of 2022. Additionally, 2000 sites were
blocked in 2023, more than 4000 websites, social media channels, 1,300 telegram channels and
chats, 491 websites belonging to independent media outlets, and other sites. The Government
began restricting access to independent news websites in 2014, and dramatically expanded
efforts to block critical news, human rights, civil society.
By controlling state media and stifling independent reporting, the government aims to dominate
the information sphere and promote its propaganda. The government actively seeks to counter
narratives perceived as coming from the West, portraying them as threats to national security
and stability according to European Parliament.
As part of the UNHRC, Belarus proposes the following solutions to ensure the safety of
journalists while respecting state sovereignty and legitimate security concerns:
• Create a UNHRC-led framework for balanced media regulation that distinguishes
between responsible journalism and information manipulation.
• Encourage media literacy programs worldwide to help citizens critically assess
information, reducing the impact of propaganda or disinformation.
• Support state sovereignty in digital governance, allowing nations to regulate online
platforms while maintaining basic transparency and human rights.
• Develop international standards for journalist accreditation to ensure professionalism
and prevent impersonation or abuse of journalistic identity.
• Condemn foreign interference disguised as media operations, particularly when aimed
at regime change or destabilization.
• Promote regional dialogues through bodies like the Commonwealth of Independent
States (CIS).
The Republic of Belarus reiterates its commitment to constructive dialogue within the
framework of international law. It supports the responsible practice of journalism, the
protection of accredited journalists, and the enhancement of media standards. However,
Belarus also defends its sovereign right to protect its national interests from disinformation,
destabilizing narratives, and unauthorized media activities.
In conclusion, Belarus calls for a pragmatic and balanced approach, where journalistic
freedoms are upheld but not exploited. The international community must distinguish between
legitimate media practices and the political misuse of journalism. Only through respectful
cooperation and mutual understanding can we collectively address the challenges of press
freedom under authoritarian pressure.
