Need for good policy in government

The freedom of speech and the right to distribute information publicly is vital in ensuring a sense of transparency and honesty especially in the world of politics, which makes the issue of protecting journalists and whistle-blowers such a fundamental task. Article 10 of the Human Rights Act declares the universal freedom of expression which includes the right to free speech, press, and the ability to receive and distribute information without any unlawful interference from any governing powers. Particularly in the case of journalism, it is completely imperative to maintain the security of journalists because, without adequate protection, the distribution of important sources and information may be hindered from reaching the public through the press, which in turn inhibits the promotion of peace, justice, and order. Depicting the truth and exposing those who decide to take immoral and unlawful paths is a difficult job for whistleblowers who truly believe in what they are doing. It is important to note that whistleblowers play an undoubtedly significant role in today’s society as the concept of “fake news” is on the rise along with instances of fraud, corruption, and deception. However, many whistleblowers and journalists around the world face great danger and security threats as the truth does tend to hurt those who wish to hide it, and in some cases that end up being national governments. Due to abuse of office by the government, many journalists around them have been faced with many challenges ranging from imprisonment and beyond. Journalists are one of the key players in linking the government to people by telling the exact event that is happening in the government.

Due to this fact, some corrupt official from the government is against the truthful role journalist play and thereby begin to abuse in office in other to cover up their fraudulent activity.

On the other hand are the whistleblowers who are also playing an essential role in ensuring good governance by reporting illicit activities in government.

Many governments both past and present have strived to impose a law to help people reporting any illegal activities of a government official to the required agency. But these laws have been experiencing setbacks due to breach of trust by the agency handling the cases.

Definition of Key Terms

Journalist

An individual who performs the task of collecting, receiving, writing, and distributing different kinds of material relevant in the media. Journalists often appear on TV or in writing to portray different messages from sports and entertainment to world news and politics.

Whistle-blower

The A person who takes action by exposing a wrong-doer who is guilty of performing immoral, unethical, and most importantly, unlawful acts.

Media

One of the fundamental mediums of mass communication in today’s world-responsible for news, publishing, broadcasting, and live updates.

Background Information

Thus, the protection of journalists and can only be truly achieved with the implementation and enforcement of strict rules and regulations within the legal system that work to protect the universal freedom of expression.

Possible Solutions

Without a doubt, the first step in ensuring the protection and safety of journalists and whistle-blowers around the world is to establish and implement an appropriate judicial system with laws and regulations that protect all human rights, but most importantly in this case, the freedom of expression. Without the necessary legal system, the protection of journalists and whistle-blowers becomes an almost impossible task considering the fact that each individual nation has its own set of rules and can act independently based on those rules. Additionally, attempts to intrude and change those rules may result in a threat towards a country’s sovereignty and can turn into a difficult situation.

Another possible solution is the development of an international humanitarian guideline that indicates the fundamental freedoms and human rights given to all people, and ensures the protection of those rights under the United Nations. This possible solution has inevitably already been thought of and is currently in work but the UN, but it is an increasingly difficult task as mentioned before. The possibility that every single country around the world would be willing to give in to UN international law is rather slim, but it may get to the point where nations must be faced with repercussions for human rights violations. It is important to consider the fact that so many human rights violations go by unnoticed every year, but no one is there to stop them or set consequences in order. Thus it is clear that there is a great need for change, and by supporting freedom advocacy groups such as the CPJ, CDFJ, and Reporters without Borders, we may become one step closer to ensuring the protection of journalists and whistle-blowers around the world.

Relevant Treaties

The United Nations has strived to maintain the protection of journalists particularly through the establishment of treaties, declarations, and organizations that are actively involved in finding solutions to the issue at hand. Despite all the treaties signed and actions taken by the UN, it is clear that the issue of protecting journalists and whistle-blowers is still at hand and requires a great deal of further cooperation in order to help promote the freedom of expression.

● Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, December 23, 2006 (S/RES/1738)

● Universal Declaration of Human Rights

● UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity

● European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

● The Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, December 18, 2013, (A/RES/68/163)

Through the implementation of the rule to punish those that are found guilty of violating the right to freedom of speech, the issues of violating whistleblower and journalist would be reduced.