New York,
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Munir Akram, presents a resolution entitled “Prevention of misinformation to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms”, in the third committee of UN general assembly. On Monday Committee unanimously adopted a Pakistan-sponsored resolution and officially approval will be given next month.
Diplomats said that Power Resolution-25, was the result of extensive consultation of all member states.
According to Munir Akram, world is witnessing a rapid spread of misinformation which has led to social unrest, nationalism, discrimination, hate speech, slanderous racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and intolerance.
Pakistan would use all its resources to prevent misinformation through national and international cooperation with UN member states and other stakeholders, Akram added.
The resolution also highlights the negative effects through social media of the rapid spread of misinformation on human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The resolution also expressed concern’s regarding spread of disinformation. Communication technologies have enabled the creation and propagation of misinformation for a wide range of political, ideological, or commercial purposes.
The resolution further stated that plague of disinformation has confirmed that freedom of expression is not just a right. Rather, there is a shared responsibility to the spread of misinformation must be in accordance with international human rights law.
The resolution emphasizes that it is also the responsibility of businesses, including online platforms and social media companies, to ensure that their business objectives do not infringe on human rights. They should not be allowed to use their platforms to spread false information that could lead to discrimination, hatred, enmity, violence and division.
