DPI SHOULD SEEK TO REDRESS IMBALANCE BY WHICH 75 PER CENT OF MASS MEDIA IS CONTROLLED BY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, INFORMATION COMMITTEE IS TOLD

14 May 1996

Press Release
PI/949

DPI SHOULD SEEK TO REDRESS IMBALANCE BY WHICH 75 PER CENT OF MASS MEDIA IS CONTROLLED BY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, INFORMATION COMMITTEE IS TOLD

19960514 Hears Suggestion for International Code of Conduct on Information Flows

The Department of Public Information (DPI) should continue its regional seminars on promoting a free press, as well as its training of journalists from developing countries, the representative of Jordan said this morning, as the Committee on Information concluded its general debate.

Stressing that some 75 per cent of the mass media was controlled by the developed countries, he said DPI's efforts should aim at redressing that imbalance, which impacted on the cultural identity of States. A new and more just information order should be established to counter the influence of the world media.

The representative of Morocco agreed that information activities should respect each country's cultural space. Along with the representative of Iran, he said it would be useful to draw up an international code of conduct on information flows. On the same theme, the representative of Syria stressed that information must not be used to damage the beliefs of peoples.

Calling for an end to the use of a technological edge as a political instrument, the representative of Cuba denounced the radio and television barrage of which it was the target. More than 1,400 hours of radio broadcasts were aimed at Cuba every week from the United States, in violation of Cuba's sovereignty, he said.

Statements were also made by the representatives of Croatia, Guinea, Egypt, Nigeria, Slovakia, Kyrgyz Republic, Israel and Japan.

The Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. on Friday, 17 May, to approve its draft report to the General Assembly.

Committee Work Programme

The Committee on Information met this morning to continue its general exchange of views and its review of United Nations public information activities. It was also expected to focus on efforts to establish a more just and effective world information and communication order, aimed at strengthening peace and international understanding and based on the free and balanced dissemination of information.

Statements

AHMED SNOUSSI (Morocco) paid tribute to Assistant Secretary-General Samir Sanbar for his report to the Committee. Noting that the Committee had again begun its work this year by commemorating World Press Freedom Day, he said the noble task of journalists had become one of the most difficult in the world. In pursuit of their duties, they were attacked by the enemies of peace for the "crime" of defending the truth. All States should ensure the safety of journalists, wherever they were.

He said the current session was taking place at a time when the international community faced ever-increasing needs related to peace-keeping, promoting democratic values and development, and the information revolution. He welcomed the courage of the staff of the Department of Public Information (DPI) which had proven what it could do with the dwindling resources available to it. Never before had the services of DPI been so much in demand, including tasks stemming from the information component of resolutions coming from other Departments.

In certain developing countries, the United Nations information centre was the only body connecting the Organization with the world, he said. If the centres could communicate the message of the work carried out by the United Nations, governments might be more inclined to honour their commitments to it. The Office of the Spokesman for the Secretary-General made it possible for journalists and diplomatic missions to remain abreast of his activities, as well as those of the United Nations as a whole.

He said United Nations Radio was a voice through which the Organization could plead the case of multilateralism, sending out a message of humanism, tolerance and cooperation. The video productions of DPI also deserved all possible support, and United Nations publications had a vital role to play in communicating information to the general public. It was hoped that publication of "Development Forum" would be resumed as soon as possible. Information activities should respect the cultural space of each State. To that end, it would be useful to draw up an international code of conduct.

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VLADIMIR DROBNJAK (Croatia) said that accurate and objective information was an important instrument in the promotion of peace and security. It was also necessary to counter any dissemination of negative propaganda which could create misunderstanding and undermine friendly relations among and within States. He saluted DPI's work in that regard. His Government, as one of the successor States of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, believed that it should receive one of the posts of the former United Nations Information Centre in Belgrade given that they had not been abolished. That could best be achieved by having the post assigned to the Centre in Vienna to serve the needs of Croatia.

He fully appreciated DPI's work and worthy improvements as regards the usage of the term "former Yugoslavia" in United Nations publications. Nevertheless, he believed it was necessary to call once again for careful and selective use of the term, as the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia had been dissolved five years ago and the successor States had been members of the United Nations for four years. The term "former Yugoslavia" could have no political connotation whatsoever, but could only be used with a selective geographical connotation. The DPI had become vigilant in that regard and should be commended for its improved practice. Peace-keeping operations were another field where the Department could play a significant role. Accurate and balanced information could contribute positively to building confidence and help establish the conditions for lasting peace.

AHMED AL-HARIRI (Syria) said he had closely followed the statement of the Assistant Secretary-General on the activities of DPI, which were a source of pride. The creation of a new world information and communication order should be based primarily on respect for States' sovereignty and non- intervention in their internal affairs. It should not be used to propagate ideas of particular States. Rather, there must be respect for the cultures of other States. Information must not be used to damage the beliefs of other peoples.

There was an information imbalance between the developed and developing countries, which should be corrected, he said. There should be a free flow of objective, balanced information, without any double standards. World public opinion should be informed of the truth in a fair and impartial way. There was no censorship in Syria, except for the censorship of conscience.

MOHAMED DAMANTANG CAMARA (Guinea) said that Assistant Secretary-General Samir Sanbar had shown great leadership not only in the ways he headed DPI but also in his relationships with Member States. Guinea was interested in the way the accelerated development of media had contributed to bringing people closer together. He welcomed improvements and the constant technological innovations made by the Department. He also welcomed improvements in United

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Nations publications and its continuing television and radio programmes, which had such a beneficial effect on people especially in developing countries.

He said he was alarmed at proposals to close down certain United Nations information centres. Despite efforts to improve North-South relationships, there was still a large gap between developed and developing countries in the field of media. It would be useful for the United Nations to have a publicity campaign aimed at developing countries. There should also be a programme for rational development of the information centres. He endorsed the integration of some of the centres with the field offices of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provided it was done in cooperation with the host countries.

PEDRO NUNEZ MOSQUERA (Cuba) said agreement had been reached some years ago on the need for a new world information and communication order, but very little progress had been made along that road. There was no balance in the dissemination of information, and the dependent status of the developing countries was being maintained. Those who had the most resources and used them to impose political and cultural models, had consolidated their hold. It was paradoxical that while some were discussing the acceleration of modernization through such means as the Internet, there were others who were hoping to learn to read. Less sophisticated means, such as radio, enabled them to express their own realities.

The need for effective transfer of technology to the developing countries was growing increasingly clear every day, he said. The United Nations information centres could and should play a very important role in the developing countries. Whether alone or integrated with other offices, they should promote increased information on the activities of the United Nations, particularly in the field of economic development. Budgetary reductions should not be made at the expense of those who had the fewest resources. The less developed countries must be assured of support in developing their own communication facilities and policies.

Attempts to use a technological edge as a political instrument must cease, he said. Cuba had systematically denounced the radio and television barrage of which it was the target. More than 1,400 hours of radio broadcasts were aimed at Cuba every week from the United States, in violation of Cuba's sovereignty. Those broadcasts manipulated and distorted the reality of the country, while promoting subversive and violent actions.

In defence of its sovereignty, Cuba had managed effectively to prevent the medium-range radio and television broadcasts, he said. Faced with that development, the sponsors of the aggression against his country were now seeking to boost the power of those broadcasts, to change the television broadcasts to ultra-high frequency (UHF), and to adopt other technical

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measures to ensure their reception within Cuba. They had also decided to move the centre of those broadcasts to Miami.

Faced with the absurdity of channels allocated exclusively to Cuba, with the type of information to be received being decided by the United States, Cuba repeated its denunciation of such activities, he said. Cuba would continue, firmly and dispassionately, to adopt the necessary measures to ensure its sovereignty and dignity.

FUAD A. BATAINEH (Jordan) said that Mr. Sanbar's comprehensive statement to the Committee had underlined DPI's primary role of publicizing United Nations efforts to people around the world and he complimented Mr. Sanbar for his efforts to invigorate the Department. Formerly one of the most prominent journalists in the Arab world, he said, Mr. Sanbar had written for publications in Lebanon, a country where journalists were allowed to practice their profession objectively and fully. The Jordanian press disseminated culture and science and informed the public fully and openly.

The United Nations critical financial crisis was bound to affect the operation of different departments, he continued. Restructuring efforts were coinciding with new challenges facing the international community. Governments around the world had become more susceptible to the demands of their people, especially as regards human and political rights. The United Nations should focus on those new challenges and DPI should be allocated sufficient funds to carry out its mandates. Its promotional efforts could help the United Nations meet the new challenges in the areas of peace-keeping, the environment and development, and its message should be targeted carefully.

Peace-keeping operations were among the United Nations most important tasks and should be covered so that their successes and goals were widely known, he said. Information on such operations should be objective and unbiased to overcome misunderstandings among belligerents and to help people understand the goals of the operations. Direct broadcasting stations within the countries where peace-keeping operations were taking place would be beneficial.

Some 75 per cent of the mass media was controlled by the developed countries, he said. That imbalance affected the continued unilateral flow of information and made it necessary for countries to protect their cultural identities. A new and more just information order should be established to counter the influence of the world media. The DPI should continue to concentrate on its regional seminars and the training of journalists in developing countries. The role of the United Nations information centres must be re-evaluated and one must be established in Amman. Although DPI had successfully covered United Nations international conferences, it should ensure that the Second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat

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II) next month in Turkey received the right information coverage in cooperation with the host country.

MOATAZ ZAHRAN (Egypt) expressed gratitude to the Assistant Secretary- General for his statement on DPI's efforts to overcome the various obstacles posed by the Organization's financial situation. The United Nations had proven its capability in adapting to the changing international situation and to the changing information and communications environment. The financial crisis now facing the Organization as a result of non-payment of dues had resulted in dwindling resources, a situation which might render DPI's work even more difficult. The DPI had a precise mandate, which involved promotion, information and publication. Its services in the information and communication field were invaluable.

He welcomed the technological modernization of DPI's activities, including those of the information centres and the Library. Those technological developments could improve the service provided by DPI. The efforts to improve the facilities of the Dag Hammarskjold Library were appreciated. Developing countries were not always in a position to use costly services, and the role of the Library should be strengthened to enable it to perform a broader mission. It was surprising that there was no person responsible for United Nations radio broadcasts to the Middle East; that post should be filled.

He attached special importance to the role that could be played by the United Nations information centres, as described by the Assistant Secretary- General. Those centres could provide a link between the Organization and the peoples of the world. They should continue their work in developing countries, to inform them of United Nations activities while keeping them abreast of technological developments. The idea of integrating centres into field offices of the UNDP must assure their functional independence while taking account of the views of the host countries.

He encouraged the continued organization of seminars with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), citing in particular the one held at Sana'a on promoting an independent and pluralistic media. It was hoped DPI would be able to organize a seminar for Palestinians in the media in Gaza this fall. A training programme for Palestinian media should also be held then. The DPI's programmes must be pursued in a spirit of transparency.

MARIA LAOSE-AJAYI (Nigeria) thanked the Committee for its work and Assistant Secretary-General Samir Sanbar for his leadership of the Department. She associated herself with the statement by the representative of Chile on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

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TOMAS HRBAC (Slovakia) said that dissemination of information on the work of the United Nations in the areas of peace, security, protection of the environment and economic and social development and the promotion of human rights was a key factor in ensuring that the ideals on the Charter reached people in every corner of the globe. The less people were informed, the more easily they could be manipulated, and many places were witness to the tragic consequences of that rule. Therefore, the Organization's severe budgetary restrictions should not be allowed to hinder DPI's work. Although it was necessary to reform the United Nations and enhance its efficiency and cost- effectiveness, DPI's efforts deserved every attention and financial means. The Department had begun innovative steps to ensure its performance was cost- effective and its programmes were delivered effectively. He encouraged DPI go further to advance the application of recent developments in information technology, such as the Internet and CD-ROMs.

The Department's role in the early stages of planning for peace-keeping operations was important, he continued. The understanding of local populations was a crucial element for the success of peace-keeping operations. To some extent, the United Nations operation in Somalia was an example of what happened when efforts to gain the support of the local population failed. He fully supported the establishment of United Nations radio stations as the impartial disseminators of information, especially in some countries where ethnic genocide or the struggle for power was backed by the hostile propaganda. His country was seeking the establishment of a United Nations resource centre in Bratislava and looked forward to cooperating with DPI in that regard.

JALAL SAMADI (Iran) said communication was an important instrument, which could help all people attain their economic and cultural objectives, while promoting international peace and security. However, the current imbalance between developed and developing countries had distorted the flow of information. Consequently, the vast majority of the world's population could not become part of the global information-based society. While the developing countries were largely unable to disseminate information and express their views, their cultural values were not being respected. A code of conduct must be developed to regulate the flow of information, especially in the field of satellite and electronic superhighway technology.

While paying tribute to DPI's efforts to stay abreast of technological developments, he stressed the importance of traditional media such as hard copy, publications, radio and television. Those channels would remain the primary media for most developing countries for the near future, he said. While paying attention to United Nations work in strengthening international peace and security, more should be done to promote the Organization's development efforts.

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He attached great importance to the work of the United Nations information centres, particularly for the developing countries, and expressed appreciation for the reactivation of the Centre in Teheran. The Dag Hammarskjold Library remained an important facility for many delegations, but the resources at its disposal remained grossly inadequate. An evaluation of its functioning, with a view to improving its services, would be timely, he said.

JOSE MARIA CHAVES (Kyrgyz Republic) expressed appreciation for the work done by the Secretariat, under the leadership of Assistant Secretary-General Samir Sanbar, for the commemoration ceremonies for the tenth anniversary of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station. It was very important to keep such a disaster in the public eye because of its terrible consequences and because there was no guarantee that similar catastrophes would not happen again, he said. In many nations there was not only a complete lack of understanding of the work of the United Nations, but also many forces who were openly antagonistic to the Organization, who made it difficult for governments to pay their full contributions. That situation made DPI's work even more necessary. The United Nations successes in many parts of the world had not been given due credit, while criticism was rampant.

His Government requested the establishment of a United Nations information centre in Bishkek, to serve the central Asia region and promote better understanding of the Organization's work. The centre would also facilitate democratic advances, particularly in the fields of education and social development. The series of seminars organized by DPI in conjunction with UNESCO were an excellent way to secure the aims of the United Nations in the field of information. He supported the holding of a seminar in Bulgaria in 1997.

LEEORA KIDRON (Israel) expressed appreciation to Mr. Sanbar and the staff of DPI for its excellent informative reports. Last year had been very eventful, she said, including the United Nations fiftieth anniversary and the Fourth World Conference on Women. The important task of covering those major events had been done well by DPI. The dire financial situation of the United Nations highlighted the need for innovative solutions to enable DPI to continue its important work. That meant increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while redirecting efforts to priority areas. She was encouraged by DPI's steps in that direction.

It was never more true that "information is power", she said. Information must now be quickly accessible, while remaining reliable and accurate. The DPI must have access to the most cutting edge information technologies. Israel was encouraged by DPI's advances over the past

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several years. Its work in establishing and maintaining the United Nations home page on the World Wide Web and its use of CD-ROMs was of paramount importance. The Internet had become one of the most important means of communication. Its ability to reach the masses all over the world, at very low cost, made geographical distance almost irrelevant. The United Nations, through DPI, must take full advantage of the Internet, as well as of other new technologies.

Freedom of the press was a cornerstone of democratic societies, she said. Enjoyment of that right depended on the dedication and sacrifice of the journalists who devoted their lives to safeguarding it. Many had made the ultimate sacrifice in the effort to bring information to the public, while others languished in prison. Efforts should be undertaken daily to promote freedom of expression throughout the world.

In the current era, conflict and bloodshed were increasingly giving way to reconciliation and cooperation, she said. The Middle East, which had for decades felt the bitterness of war and hatred, was finally being transformed into a region where peace could take root. Sharing information and information technologies could contribute significantly to safeguarding peace, security and progress.

YORIO ITO (Japan) spoke about the strengthening of the United Nations information centres and paid high tribute to the efforts of the Centre in Tokyo, including work by the preparatory committee for the commemoration, this year, of the fortieth anniversary of Japan's membership in the United Nations. His Government was pleased that the Centre in Tokyo had taken advantage of that unique opportunity to strengthen its public relations through various initiatives. He thanked the head of the Tokyo Centre for his energetic leadership as evidenced by his approach to editors of the major media in Japan and his efforts to have the "Blue Book" series translated into Japanese. As a result, Japan would be increasing its voluntary contributions to the funding of the Centre by 50 per cent. The head of the Centre had also sent a "newsletter" to Japanese leaders which would certainly contribute to and enhance the public image of the United Nations and its work.

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