The OHCHR came together to discuss the freedom of the internet one last time. The majority of the session was spent in unmoderated caucus, as delegates scrambled to get their working papers ready to be submitted as draft resolutions. In the end, three draft resolutions (DR-s) were submitted and accepted by the committee, sponsored by the delegates of the Republic of Tunisia (Tunisia), the United States of America (US), and the Republic of Botswana (Botswana) respectively. The DR of Tunisia has proven controversial among the delegates, due to its strong stance against online speech criticizing government officials. The DR of the US focused on the role of private corporations (protecting their interests) and freedom of speech, explicitly mentioning the First Amendment in its preambles. The DR of Botswana was more measured, calling for moderate restrictions (for example leaving content moderation for children to their legal guardians) and focusing explicitly on freedom of religion online, as well as calling states the actors who should mainly be responsible for internet regulations.
Four amendments were proposed, trying to bring some of the spirit from certain DR-s to the others, but following for and against speeches 3 out of 4 have been rejected. With the clock ticking, the committee swiftly closed the debate and moved into the voting procedure, where exceptionally all 3 DR-s were voted on at the discretion of the chair. After reordering, the first votes were cast on the DR of Tunisia, with the overwhelming majority voting against. Next, the DR of Botswana was on the table, and it passed with 9 votes in favor (out of 15). Finally the DR of the US has failed to reach the 8 vote threshold to pass.