A/HRC/24/38
choose policies and not just the right to vote for a particular candidate, when the
possibility of influencing the nomination of candidates is more formal than real;
(f)
Discuss the pros and cons of establishing, as a consultative body, a world
parliamentary assembly of directly elected representatives, which could operate
within or without the United Nations;
(g)
Vindicate its right to access to truthful and reliable information and
insist that their governments implement articles 19 and 25 ICCPR and practice
transparency. Civil society should demand media reform, so as to ensure pluralism
and respect of the watchdog function of journalism. Disinformation and manipulation
should be exposed. In particular, grassroots participation and interaction should be
facilitated, including in the allocation of the airwaves, which belong to the people, not
to multinational corporations or media magnates. The linkage of news and advertising
must be revisited, since the public has a democratic right to truthful information and
a variety of interpretations. They should demand that news services be neutral, and
that news be separated from commentary. When broadcasting depends on the
advertisers, objectivity is compromised;
(h)
Denounce media dissemination of propaganda for war in contravention
of article 20 ICCPR, or in apology of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Moreover, civil society could call for the adoption of effective anti-trust legislation or
for the enforcement of existing anti-trust laws so as to break up media conglomerates
and monopolistic practices that hinder pluralism. They should demand public
participation in the allocation and regulation of airwaves, which must be considered
as a public domain;
(i)
Demand that corporations observe the guiding principles on business
and human rights, and that governments implement the “United Nations Protect,
Respect and Remedy Framework”.
59.
National Human Rights Institutions working in accordance with the Paris
Principles should promote and facilitate public participation in public affairs. 95 They
should expose pseudo-democratic processes and insist on the uniform application of
international law. They should advise governments on the human rights implications
of proposed legislation and act as watchdogs of constitutionality.
60.
The Independent Expert acknowledges the fact that much progress has been
achieved since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
Norms and mechanisms are in place. Admittedly, an implementation gap persists. But
a more democratic and equitable international order is no utopia. It can and will be
achieved when individuals, civil society, States and the United Nations work together
to make this aspiration a reality for our time. It is our responsibility to ensure that the
Purposes and Principles of the United Nations Charter go beyond mere promises and
produce fruit for generations to come.
95
22
Danish Institute for Human Rights, NHRIs and Public Participation, Issue Paper, April 2013.
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