Topic:
Country: Denmark
Delegate Name: Jackson Harlan
Country: Denmark
Committee: SPECPOL
Topic: De-escalation of sectarian conflicts
Delegate: Jackson Harlan
School: Williamston High school
Sectarian conflicts are often seen as impossible to solve, with deep roots, and massive polarization between groups. This is especially true in the Middle East, where the problems seem more entrenched than ever before. From past trends it is most likely that the Middle East will continue to have a rise in sectarian conflicts, making it even more vital to create regulations addressing them. The real question is how far should these regulations go. Countries can not continue to sit by with intrastate conflicts with no progress towards peace or an end. It is also very vital to note oftentimes sectarian conflict leads to much bigger international conflict, causing tensions to rise in all parts of the world. Many of these problems have deep roots and it is clear more intervention from the United Nations is needed.
Action has been taken against sectarian conflicts, but they always lay within the power of the states. For example a resolution adopted in 2019 has little actual UN intervention and decides that the actual power lies with the states themselves. Many UN peacekeeping missions were sent out by the security council to try and end the conflicts as quickly as possible. The problem is the UN only has so much jurisdiction in the states themselves. The General Assembly has passed multiple resolutions reacting to sectarian conflict, such as the “Uniting for Peace” resolution passed in 1950. This really highlights how long this problem has really impacted the world. While there has been impact from these resolutions, sectarian conflicts continue to be just as prevalent as ever. Denmark is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) which makes them very active in fighting for human rights and against sectarian conflicts. Denmark is in full support, and works to fund programs regarding the problem. The problem is the polarization between groups is intense and complicated, and the infrastructure of the government in the area is too weak to maintain laws strict enough to enforce the laws put into place.
Denmark recognizes the current systems in place to de-escalate sectarian conflicts, while also noting the need for additional interference. Denmark is slightly familiar with sectarian conflict and has had issues trying to resolve it over the past few years. Denmark is known for its human rights progress and is a country who generally has a lot of religious freedom. Although the regulations in place are helpful, it is not enough. Denmark is very willing to send troops and/or hold peacekeeping summits to intervene. There must be more intervention from the UN in intrastate conflicts. Denmark recognizes this issue has layers and it is hard to know when intervention is needed. Therefore recommending implementing a new program with the purpose of peacekeeping within intrastate conflicts. Denmark understands countries may not be open to this idea meaning there must be consent from the country the conflict is taking place within. The program would also have to take a look at the structure of the government with the conflicts and evaluate if it is stable enough to prevent future conflicts and work to prevent international conflict. These conflicts will not end easily and it is necessary to take steps into intrastate conflicts and aid these countries.
“Danish Government Set to Criminalise Improper Treatment of Objects of Significant Religious Importance to Religious Communities.” News from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, via.ritzau.dk/pressemeddelelse/13714763/danish-government-set-to-criminalise-improper-treatment-of-objects-of-significant-religious-importance-to-religious-communities?publisherId=13560888&lang=en. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
“Denmark and Human Rights.” Denmark.Dk, denmark.dk/society-and-business/human-rights. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based …, www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2021/08/international-day-commemorating-victims-acts-violence-based-religion-or. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
“Peace and Security.” United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/en/global-issues/peace-and-security. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
“What Causes Sectarian Conflict, and Can It Be Undone?” ABC Religion & Ethics, ABC Religion & Ethics, 17 Oct. 2019, www.abc.net.au/religion/the-middle-east-and-the-politics-of-sectarianism
