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26 Denning L.J. 1 (2014)

handle is hein.journals/denlj26 and id is 1 raw text is: Denning Law Journal 2014 Vol 26 pp 1-18 HUMAN RIGHTS AND MEDIA: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ON NORTH KOREA Michael Kirby* ABSTRACT Increasingly UN human rights mandate-holders are engaging with diverse modern media to enhance the effectiveness of their work. There are dangers and difficulties in doing so. However modern media can be a useful ally in the work of the UN by raising awareness of grave crimes and violations; engaging with and empowering victims of abuse; and encouraging demands that investigations will be followed by action and accountability. This article, based on the experience of the UN inquiry into North Korea explains the COI's methodology; examines the adoption and features of its media plan; outlines a number of suggested basic rules to be observed by UN inquiries; identifies modalities of news management; and predicts likely future developments inherent in new media technology. The author insists that news coverage is not an end in itself but a means to help attain the human rights goals of the inquiry and of the UN. MEDIA AND HUMAN RIGHTS: NATURAL BEDFELLOWS? Even in oppressive countries, those responsible for abuses of human rights normally perform their deeds of conmission and omission in private, away from the glare of publicity. Publicity and news attention encourage supporters of global human rights to address the violations of human rights of peoples and individuals. They speak up and demand action. Secrecy is a cloak for terrible crimes and violations. This is why, in the current international situation, those with responsibility for the United Nations' efforts to advance universal human rights, and to expose violators, have increasingly looked to the media (especially The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG, Former Chair of the United Nations Human Rights Council's Commission of Inquiry on North Korea (2013-14); former Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on Human Rights in Cambodia (1993-6); one time Justice of the High Court of Australia (1996-2009). 1

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