[PASSED] Protections in Wartime Reporting

[Starman of Stardust]

On major update, 6 November 2022 UTC, this became GA #630.

The World Assembly,

Highlighting the dangerous conditions faced by those sent to an active warzone to gather information for journalism,

Emphasising that wartime reporting is necessary to ensure that belligerents in wars face due scrutiny, helping to prevent war crimes and other atrocities in the field of war,

Identifying an ominous silence of World Assembly law on this important topic since various past resolutions attempting to address this matter were repealed,

Concerned that member nations or entities therein may, as a result, attempt to unduly harm wartime reporters in order to suppress their necessary activities,

Enacts as follows _

1. So be it as follows within this resolution _
   
   
   1. "Wartime reporting" refers to the gathering of information conducted from a warzone for the purpose of said information's publication as journalism; as well as the provision of technical assistance in the same.
      
      
   2. A "warzone" is an area of armed conflict involving at least one military force; as well as the region immediately surrounding that area.
   
   
2. The status of a non-combatant, along with all rights, protections, and responsibilities that such status entails, must be granted to any individual acting as a wartime reporter. Accordingly, the act of knowingly targeting a wartime reporter with violence shall be considered a war crime.
   
   
3. All member nations must refrain from discriminating or retaliating against any individual for performing or facilitating wartime reporting, or attempting the same; including by
   
   
   1. penalising or prosecuting persons for performing or facilitating wartime reporting;
      
      
   2. deporting or denying entry to individuals due to their status as wartime reporters, or otherwise discriminating against wartime reporters in restrictions on freedom of travel; or
      
      
   3. denying equality under the law to wartime reporters.
4. This resolution does not protect any wartime reporter who, in the conflict which they are reporting from, willfully attempts to
   
   
   1. use or direct the use of force, outside of allowable self-defense, to actively support a belligerent in said conflict;
      
      
   2. transport supplies for a belligerent in said conflict; or
      
      
   3. participate in the clandestine collection or reporting of classified information for the purpose of obtaining a strategic advantage for one entity over another.
   
   
5. Should a provision of this resolution contradict some past World Assembly resolution still in force, that previous resolution takes precedence. This resolution should not be interpreted as addressing the eventual broadcasting or publication of information collected by wartime reporting.

[Minskiev]

Against, resolution doesn’t ban crazy person from killing wartime journalist

[Starman of Stardust]

Against, resolution doesn’t ban crazy person from killing wartime journalist

"Section 3c rather explicitly forbids member nations from 'denying equality under the law to wartime reporters', which would include allowing acts of murder, false imprisonment, etc if they are directed at wartime reporters."

"We will be lodging with the WACC a request of investigation on Minskiev's compliance with GA #122."

[Tinhampton]

Alexander Smith, Tinhamptonian Delegate-Ambassador to the World Assembly: The Read the Resolution Act only applies to proposals in drafting inasmuch as it requires "recommendations upon the endorsement of draft resolutions." A false assessment as to the extent and requirements of a draft proposal does not constitute an RRA violation.
We can support this, despite the fact that a resolution of our own on this matter has been in drafting for a number of months. The failure of the Statan ambassador to respond to requests asking them to consider my feedback to their commentary, as well as the disappearance of Ambassador Ambrose Scott of Apatosaurus, have led to its suspension for the time being, however.

[Minskiev]

Against, resolution doesn’t ban crazy person from killing wartime journalist

"Section 3c rather explicitly forbids member nations from 'denying equality under the law to wartime reporters', which would include allowing acts of murder, false imprisonment, etc if they are directed at wartime reporters."

"We will be lodging with the WACC a request of investigation on Minskiev's compliance with GA #122."

Ambassador Russell sighs. “Arf arf arf arf arf arf arf, arf arf arf “arf arf arf” Arf arf arf arf arf arf, arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf (arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf, arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf). Arf arf, arf arf arf “arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf” arf arf arf arf arf arf arf. Arf arf, arf arf arf”. While this may be meaningless to those who don’t speak Walrussian, it *does* sound a good deal like “GA#122 is irrelevant since this proposal hasn’t “come up for debate”. You clearly haven’t read GA#122, and the Minskievian delegation may in fact query if Magecastle is complying with GA#122 (unless you were to say that forum drafts are up for debate, in which case GA#122 mandates all WA nations to read all versions of all forum drafts). In any case, “denying equality under the law” is different from what I said. This proposal doesn’t stop an armed civilian from killing a wartime reporter directly, even if national laws are already in place and member states are obligated to uphold their laws and not to retaliate.”

[Starman of Stardust]

This proposal doesn’t stop an armed civilian from killing a wartime reporter directly, even if national laws are already in place and member states are obligated to uphold their laws and not to retaliate.”

"What would your preferred alternative be, ambassador?"

the Minskievian delegation may in fact query if Magecastle is complying with GA#122

Ooc: While I am the same user as The Ice States/MEBA5, this nation is neither The Ice States nor MEBA5, and I would prefer that you respect that in-character.

[The Orwell Society]

IC: "Opposed. What happens in wartime stays in wartime…" - Vice Ambassador Randalf Gokunny

OOC: A fine proposal. Support.

[Texian Assault Brigades]

Full support.

[Heavens Reach]

Full support, no reservations

[Heidgaudr]

"Section 3c rather explicitly forbids member nations from 'denying equality under the law to wartime reporters', which would include allowing acts of murder, false imprisonment, etc if they are directed at wartime reporters."

"We will be lodging with the WACC a request of investigation on Minskiev's compliance with GA #122."

Ambassador Russell sighs. “Arf arf arf arf arf arf arf, arf arf arf “arf arf arf” Arf arf arf arf arf arf, arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf (arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf, arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf). Arf arf, arf arf arf “arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf” arf arf arf arf arf arf arf. Arf arf, arf arf arf”. While this may be meaningless to those who don’t speak Walrussian, it *does* sound a good deal like “GA#122 is irrelevant since this proposal hasn’t “come up for debate”. You clearly haven’t read GA#122, and the Minskievian delegation may in fact query if Magecastle is complying with GA#122 (unless you were to say that forum drafts are up for debate, in which case GA#122 mandates all WA nations to read all versions of all forum drafts). In any case, “denying equality under the law” is different from what I said. This proposal doesn’t stop an armed civilian from killing a wartime reporter directly, even if national laws are already in place and member states are obligated to uphold their laws and not to retaliate.”

Ambassador Asgeir Trelstad sits down beside his under-secretary, Janus Vílvotr, during the Minskievian Ambassador's speech. He looks at Janus who is busy writing something down.

"What are you working on?" Asgeir asks.

"Crossword." Janus grunts. "Decided to try some foreign ones to work on my translation skills. Currently on a Minskievian one, but it's stumping me at the moment. Uh, maybe you can help me. 12 across: 'A traditional dance, often performed during autumn.' Three letters, starting with 'a'."

Asgeir thinks for a moment. "That's probably going to be 'arf'."

"Uh huh, and 28 down: 'A thin deli meat.'"

"'Arf'."

"Sure, and 44 across: 'Bad music, to some'."

"That's a tough one, but my best guess would be 'arf'."

"Much obliged. By the way, here are my notes on the proposal." Janus slides over several pages of hand-written notes to the Ambassador.

deporting, denying entry to, or unduly restricting the freedom of travel of individuals due to their status as wartime reporters in order to obstruct their participation in wartime reporting;

surreptitiously gather classified information in order to support non-journalism activites;

"I'll first note the scrivener's error as above, as well as the multiple uses of 'targetting', which only seem to be noted in spelling resources as a common misspelling of 'targeting'.

"I'm concerned that the two sections above would disallow militaries in warzones from denying journalists to classified information and areas so long as the journalists believe their access would be journalistic in nature. We certainly agree that wartime reporters should be offered protection, but wantonly disregarding operational security will lead to many deaths and should not be allowed."

[Starman of Stardust]

Ambassador Russell sighs. “Arf arf arf arf arf arf arf, arf arf arf “arf arf arf” Arf arf arf arf arf arf, arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf (arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf, arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf). Arf arf, arf arf arf “arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf arf” arf arf arf arf arf arf arf. Arf arf, arf arf arf”. While this may be meaningless to those who don’t speak Walrussian, it *does* sound a good deal like “GA#122 is irrelevant since this proposal hasn’t “come up for debate”. You clearly haven’t read GA#122, and the Minskievian delegation may in fact query if Magecastle is complying with GA#122 (unless you were to say that forum drafts are up for debate, in which case GA#122 mandates all WA nations to read all versions of all forum drafts). In any case, “denying equality under the law” is different from what I said. This proposal doesn’t stop an armed civilian from killing a wartime reporter directly, even if national laws are already in place and member states are obligated to uphold their laws and not to retaliate.”

Ambassador Asgeir Trelstad sits down beside his under-secretary, Janus Vílvotr, during the Minskievian Ambassador's speech. He looks at Janus who is busy writing something down.

"What are you working on?" Asgeir asks.

"Crossword." Janus grunts. "Decided to try some foreign ones to work on my translation skills. Currently on a Minskievian one, but it's stumping me at the moment. Uh, maybe you can help me. 12 across: 'A traditional dance, often performed during autumn.' Three letters, starting with 'a'."

Asgeir thinks for a moment. "That's probably going to be 'arf'."

"Uh huh, and 28 down: 'A thin deli meat.'"

"'Arf'."

"Sure, and 44 across: 'Bad music, to some'."

"That's a tough one, but my best guess would be 'arf'."

"Much obliged. By the way, here are my notes on the proposal." Janus slides over several pages of hand-written notes to the Ambassador.

deporting, denying entry to, or unduly restricting the freedom of travel of individuals due to their status as wartime reporters in order to obstruct their participation in wartime reporting;

surreptitiously gather classified information in order to support non-journalism activites;

"I'll first note the scrivener's error as above, as well as the multiple uses of 'targetting', which only seem to be noted in spelling resources as a common misspelling of 'targeting'.

"I'm concerned that the two sections above would disallow militaries in warzones from denying journalists to classified information and areas so long as the journalists believe their access would be journalistic in nature. We certainly agree that wartime reporters should be offered protection, but wantonly disregarding operational security will lead to many deaths and should not be allowed."

"Thank you, ambassador! I have fixed the mispellings of 'targeting' and 'activities'. As to the issue on denying access to classified information, does it work better as written? 3b now only bars member nations from discriminating against wartime journalists in freedom of travel restrictions, while 4c now replaces the 'non-journalism' qualifier. Does this address your mission's concerns?"

[Improper Classifications]

If any provision of this resolution contradicts some past World Assembly resolution still in force, that previous resolution takes precedence. Singular terms in this resolution are to be interpreted as including the plural thereof, and vice versa.

Hmmm. Is that not a House of Cards violation?

[The Ice States]

If any provision of this resolution contradicts some past World Assembly resolution still in force, that previous resolution takes precedence. Singular terms in this resolution are to be interpreted as including the plural thereof, and vice versa.

Hmmm. Is that not a House of Cards violation?

Being subject to past resolutions is not illegal under HoC.

[Heavens Reach]

If any provision of this resolution contradicts some past World Assembly resolution still in force, that previous resolution takes precedence. Singular terms in this resolution are to be interpreted as including the plural thereof, and vice versa.

Hmmm. Is that not a House of Cards violation?

No, because the clause doesn't rely on any other resolution, it just doesn't contradict them (though it blocks them in the future if they are repealed).

[ImperialRussia]

Lol Nice Try

[Improper Classifications]

Hmmm. Is that not a House of Cards violation?

Being subject to past resolutions is not illegal under HoC.

Ah. My bad.

[Excidium Planetis]

IC: "Opposed. What happens in wartime stays in wartime…" - Vice Ambassador Randalf Gokunny

"But, uh, my good Ambassador, W-wartime is Peacetime." Adelia Meritt notes. "So, er, it does not stay in wartime. I think. I mean I doublethink. This is hard..."

"As for the proposal, I offer my support. This IS an international issue."

[Starman of Stardust]

Bump.

Edit: Thanks to Heavens Reach for feedback which has since been adopted!

[Starman of Stardust]

"Due to the lack of new substantial comments, this will be submitted in a few days."

[Quebecshire]

I still don't see explicit prevention of journalists using an ion cannon to destroy the pentagon. No support from me, please fix this relevant loophole immediately.

[Minskiev]

I would recommend a few weeks to submit this, as I don't believe it's ready due to numerous existing flaws.

[Magecastle Embassy Building A5]

I would recommend a few weeks to submit this, as I don't believe it's ready due to numerous existing flaws.

Ooc: Could you elaborate on what these flaws are? Regardless, I'm open to waiting if so.

Given your responses off-site, you are either trying to avoid pointing out some issue you have so that you can have this to fall back on, or -- more likely -- you are just trying to resort to FUD, obstructionism, and filibustering for no apparent reason. Either way, I don't see how this can actually be a good faith concern. I have no issue with the point that putting it on last call now is jumping the gun -- I take issue with making an assertion while being openly unhelpful and evasive about it when asked to elaborate.

[Magecastle Embassy Building A5]

Bump.

[Magecastle Embassy Building A5]

Ooc: Submitted.

[Simone Republic]

Can you explain a bit what exactly this protects that's not already protected by another resolution? Article 2 is probably a crime everywhere, Article 3 (a), (b) and (c) are separately protected by existing WA resolutions. If a non-WA state has a war with WA state, we can't really prosecute the other side (unless we won) but then there would be harsh penalties for the losing side anyway.

And given this is not the first time this issue has come up (I actually voted in favour of #501 despite my reservations over the poor wording), and the fact that #334 should cover this (before we get to all the war crimes stuff and the civil rights stuff), I think we really need to check this line by line