New York, The United Nations on Monday launched a set of global principles to guarantee the freedom of information and limit hate speech and misleading news.
In his speech on this occasion, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, said that the universal principles of freedom of information call for an information environment that defends human rights and a sustainable future and also provides a solid foundation for sustainable and comprehensive development, democracy, and peace.
He stated that it was the result of broad consultations with Member States, the private sector, youth leaders, the media, academia, and civil society.
The global principles are “community trust and resilience”, “independent, free, and pluralistic media”, “healthy incentives”, “transparency and research”, and “public empowerment”.
Guterres called on the media to raise and enforce editorial standards and urged governments to commit to creating and maintaining a free, workable, independent, and pluralistic medi
a climate, as well as ensuring strong protection for journalists, respecting the right to freedom of opinion and expression and refraining from using, supporting or amplifying disinformation and hate speech for any purpose.
Source: Qatar News Agency