Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Ethiopia
Delegate Name: Dhanishta Gupta
Committee: DISEC
Topic: Private military contractors
Country: Ethiopia
School: Central High School
Private military contractors (PMCs) in Ethiopia play a significant role in the country’s security. These contractors provide various services, including military training, intelligence gatherings, and logistical support. Ethiopia lacks specific laws governing PMCs, leading to potential issues with blunders and human rights violations. PMCs are often engaged in protecting critical infrastructure such as oil fields and mining operations. They also assist in counter-terrorism efforts and border security. However, their operations sometimes lead to conflict with local communities and raise concerns about their influence on domestic conflicts and sovereignty. The Ethiopian government faces the challenge of balancing the benefits of PMCs.
The United Nations has made several statements regarding private military contractors. For instance, a UN expert body has urged broad support for the creation of a global treaty to regulate the activities of PMCs. According to the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of the Armed Forces (DCAF), “The Montreux Document’s Good Practices, therefore, offer a practical blueprint for how states can effectively regulate PMSCs”. These statements reflect the UN’s recognition of the challenges posed by PMCs and the importance of establishing regulatory frameworks to address these issues.
Private military contractors have a significant impact on Ethiopia particularly in the fields of security and conflict. They have been employed to provide various services including training intelligence and logistical support often filling the gaps left by the national military. While PMCs can offer cost efficiency and specialized skills their presence also raises concerns about accountability and human rights violations. Ethiopia has taken several steps to address the challenges posed by PMCs. The country has participated in many regional conferences to discuss the PMCs. These conferences aim to have better governance. Ethiopia has also engaged with international initiatives like the Montreux document which provides guidelines for the use of PMCs. Ethiopia continues to work with regional and international partners to strengthen the PMCs. On the other hand, the outgoing conflict in regions overshadows these efforts. The situation remains complex, with humanitarian needs surging and the security environment worsening. While the UN statements have highlighted important issues and encouraged dialogue the practical impact on the ground in Ethiopia has been limited due to the ongoing conflict and challenges in implementing effective oversight and accountability measures. The presence of Private military contractors has complicated peace efforts requiring additional international cooperation to ensure accountability and respect for human rights in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia would want to adopt stronger regulations on the PMCs; they would try to move toward mandatory reporting and monitoring them more often. Doing this will enhance global security and protect human rights in conflict zones. Ethiopia would try to promote training programs for PMCs on international humanitarian law and human rights to ensure they operate effectively in conflict zones. Implementing mandatory reporting requirements for PMC activities including detailed records of operations and incidents that occur could enhance the PMCs. By advocating these, Ethiopia aims to ensure private military contractors operate within a regulatory framework that will contribute positively to global security and human rights.
Committee: DISEC
Topic: Indiscriminate weapons
Country: Ethiopia
School: Central High School
Indiscriminate weapons in Ethiopia worsen the humanitarian crisis, particularly in conflict zones. These weapons including landmines, cluster munitions, and improvised explosive devices lead to significant civilian casualties and displacement. The use of these weapons violates international humanitarian law. The presence of these weapons has hindered humanitarian aid efforts as areas contaminated with unexploded weapons are unsafe for workers. The need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address the expanding impact of indiscriminate weapons in Ethiopia remains critical.
There have been several statements by UN officials regarding the situation in Ethiopia. For instance, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern about the escalating violence and the humanitarian crisis. According to the UN News, “We can only move forward if we also renew and update global institutions, by making them more effective, fair and inclusive.” He also highlighted the horrific impact of indiscriminate attacks on civilians including the destruction of critical infrastructure and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. These statements emphasize the urgent need for a political solution and the international community’s role in supporting peace efforts in Ethiopia.
Indiscriminate weapons have had a devastating impact on Ethiopia. The use of explosive weapons like drone strikes resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure. Unexploded weapons pose an ongoing risk, especially for children who are affected by these. These weapons have also severely hampered food production, worsening food insecurity. The psychological trauma and fear caused by these weapons further disrupt daily life hindering educational and economic opportunities. The presence of indiscriminate weapons has compounded the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia highlighting the urgent need for effective regulation efforts. Ethiopia has taken several steps to address this issue of indiscriminate weapons and their impact on civilians. The government has passed the Firearm Administration and Control Proclamation which bans private trade in weapons and imposes strict penalties for illegal possession of firearms. This legislation aims to combat insecurity and reduce the proliferation of weapons in Ethiopia. Additionally, Ethiopia has collaborated with international organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to raise awareness and reduce the risks posed by unexploded weapons. The ICRC is actively involved in providing physical improvement services and mobility devices to victims of weapons contamination, particularly children. Despite these efforts, the ongoing conflict in the region continues to pose significant challenges, and more comprehensive measures are needed to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians.
Ethiopia would likely advocate for the United Nations to adopt several specific measures to address the issue of indiscriminate weapons. They would like to have mandatory reporting and implement mandatory reporting requirements for the use of such weapons including detailed records of operations and incidents to enhance accountability. An independent UN body could be established to oversee the use of weapons conducting regular inspections. Ethiopia would likely promote training programs for the military on international humanitarian law, human rights, and conflict resolution, ensuring ethical operations in conflict zones. By advocating for these measures Ethiopia aims to ensure effective regulation of indiscriminate weapons contributing to global security and human rights.
Bibliography
Private military contractors:
https://www.montreuxdocument.org/pdf/regional/2015-11-12-Report-Ethiopia-Regional-Conference-PMSCs.pdf
Indiscriminate weapons:
https://www.icrc.org/en/news-release/ethiopia-children-disproportionately-affected-weapon-contamination
https://chilot.wordpress.com/2020/04/04/firearm-administration-and-control-proclamation-no-1177-2020/
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1155941
