INTERNATIONAL PRESS CORPS
Agenda: Examining the Decline of Press Freedom Under Authoritarian Regimes with Special Emphasis on Dictatorships
(single delegation)
​​
ABOUT COMMITTEE
​
​
“We in the press, by our power, can actually undermine leadership.”
​
~ Christiane Amanpour
​
​
We stand at a perilous juncture in history where truth, itself, is under attack. In states governed by authoritarian regimes, the press, once a pillar of democracy, has been shackled and silenced in a way that can only be defined as ruthless. The decline of press freedom under these regimes is not just a political phenomenon, but instead a calculated assault on transparency, accountability and the fundamental right to information. This year, the International Press Corps takes up the mantle as both witness and warrior, turning its lens to an issue of critical urgency: the decline of press freedom under authoritarian rule. Every article penned, every question asked and every argument raised in this forum carries a single unyielding purpose, which is to champion the truth in the face of its destruction. We will examine a wide range of instances, from crackdowns on independent journalism to the manipulation of digital platforms, and seek to understand the broader implications for global human rights and democratic stability. Even in its noblest form, the press is no stranger to exploitation.
​
Bias, disinformation, sensationalism and the pursuit of profit have long threatened its integrity, but under authoritarian regimes, these vulnerabilities are transformed into weapons of control. The mission of this committee is to dissect the anatomy of oppression and investigate the causes behind them. From shuttered newsrooms and jailed journalists to the weaponization of digital platforms, reporters have been silenced and stories have been buried. Journalists operating under authoritarian rule walk a perilous line, often at the cost of their freedom—or their lives. Yet their courage fuels the unrelenting fight for the truth. As members of the International Press Corps, you are tasked to step into their shoes.
​
You will unmask the structures of control, expose the lies that sustain these regimes, advocate for solutions and shield press freedom from the grip of oppression. In the war against authoritarianism, the pen is your weapon, and justice is your cause.
​​
.jpg)
​​
Chairpersons' Address​
​​​​
Greetings delegates,
Given the unique and dynamic nature of this committee we expect the delegates to possess astute procedural knowledge. Your lobbying, legal acumen and vocabulary will be tested throughout the conference. Most importantly, as journalists you will be expected to be armed with writing skills which would be able to present the unbiased truth in a clear, yet creative manner.
​
Rishabh Das is the chairperson of the International Press Corps, standing at a height he insists is "perfectly aerodynamic." He has this knack of demanding attention not by towering over people but as the most vocal advocate for free food in the room. A loyal Barcelona fan and a cricket enthusiast, he balances his love for sports with an uncanny ability to grab the spotlight on stage during MUN closing ceremonies. Known for his lightning-fast comebacks and unmatched lobbying skills, Rishabh has a reputation for twisting even the sternest chairpersons around his finger. Despite his school dramas and his ability to keep a low profile everywhere, Rishabh's research and MUN skills are seldom found anywhere else, and therefore makes him the ultimate amalgamation of brilliance and merriment. A legend in his own right, Rishabh is living proof that life's challenges can be tackled with a well-timed joke, a plate of free food, and just enough height to scrape by. If you ever see a science fanatic solving physics numericals while listening to Bryan Adams rest assured you have met your chairperson.
​
With Mehr as your chairperson, one thing is certain: nothing in this committee will be left to chance. Brace yourself for an overuse of punctuation and the word “vague”. To truly understand her, all you need is an encyclopaedic knowledge of sitcoms, an appreciation for The New Yorker cartoons, and—if you’re feeling particularly daring—a mention of Armando Iannucci’s works. Beware, though: this could spark an endless cascade of impassioned monologues, possibly derailing the committee entirely. Deeply committed to maintaining the truth and integrity of the press, she often administers character-personality quizzes in attempts to psychoanalyse everyone around her. Outside of her duties as your chairperson, she enjoys occasionally employing tactics of censorship, taking her glasses off dramatically, and preparing herself for all possible outcomes. For best results, proceed with unrestrained enthusiasm for satirical news and email-style texts. To earn bonus points (and a possible smile), write eloquently, with conviction, and don’t shy away from a well-timed Phoebe Bridgers lyric.
​
Until May,
Rishabh Das and Mehr Kapoor,
Chairpersons,
International Press Corps,
La Martiniere Calcutta Model United Nations 2025.
​​