Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Spain
Delegate Name: Aidan Jaronik
Delegate Aidan Jaronik
New Prairie High School
Position Paper: Addressing Indiscriminate Weapons in Spain
Country: Spain
Committee: Disarmament and International Security Committee
Topic: Promoting Safety and Human Standards Over Indiscriminate Weapons
Introduction
Indiscriminate weapons are arms that cannot target precisely, harming both military targets and civilians. Landmines, cluster bombs, and chemical weapons all fall into this category. Many are banned under international law due to their uncontrollable, widespread impact. This position paper outlines Spain’s concerns, policy stances, and proposed actions to prevent the use and spread of indiscriminate weapons, promoting safety and humanitarian standards both domestically and internationally.
Spain’s Perspective
Spain is strongly against the use and spread of indiscriminate weapons and supports strict rules to limit their harm. Spain is dedicated to protecting civilians and following high humanitarian standards. Some issues that Spain is particularly concerned about are as follows:
Civilian Safety: Indiscriminate weapons, like landmines and cluster munitions, have long-term risks to civilians, even years after wars end.
Ethical and Legal Concerns: Their use raises ethical and legal concerns, potentially breaching international humanitarian laws and harming Spain’s global standing.
Environmental Impact: The long-lasting environmental damage caused by indiscriminate weapons, such as soil and water contamination from chemical weapons.
Spain’s Policy Positions
Spain supports a comprehensive, humane approach to Addressing indiscriminate weapons. Key policy positions include:
Ban on Landmines and Cluster Munitions: Ban the use, production, and stockpiling of landmines and cluster bombs due to their severe impact on civilian populations.
Support for Nuclear Disarmament: Spain seeks to advance global nuclear disarmament while carefully balancing its commitments within NATO. It aims to reduce nuclear risks and encourage dialogue for a nuclear-free world.
Eliminate Chemical and Biological Weapons: Spain is dedicated to preventing the development and spread of chemical and biological weapons. It wants to strengthen global measures for monitoring and enforcing bans on these dangerous weapons.
Strengthened Global Arms Control: Spain intends to tighten international regulations on the arms trade, focusing on preventing weapons from reaching conflict zones and reducing the illicit trafficking of arms.
Stronger Civilian Protection in Conflict Zones: Spain wants to lead international efforts to limit the use of explosive weapons in urban areas, emphasizing the need to safeguard civilian lives and reduce indiscriminate damage during conflicts.
Proposed Solutions
To address indiscriminate weapons, Spain proposes the following solutions:
Stricter National Laws: Spain may create stricter laws to ban the making, owning, and use of indiscriminate weapons, with strong punishments for breaking these rules.
International Cooperation: Spain can work with other nations to ban indiscriminate weapons, pushing for international agreements and supporting global efforts to get rid of these arms.
Increased Border and Customs Checks: To stop illegal weapons from entering, Spain could improve border security, use improved technology to find hidden weapons, and work closely with other countries’ police forces.
Public Awareness Campaigns: The Spanish government could start educational campaigns to teach people about the dangers of indiscriminate weapons, promoting a peaceful mindset and encouraging the public to report illegal weapons.
Support for Cleanup Efforts: Spain may put resources into clearing landmines and safely disposing of leftover weapons from conflicts, both at home and abroad, to help communities recover and stay safe.
Conclusion
Spain is dedicated to eliminating the threat of indiscriminate weapons and promoting global peace and security. By enforcing stricter regulations, enhancing international cooperation, and prioritizing public education, Spain is working towards a safer environment both domestically and globally. Spain seeks to be a strong advocate for responsible arms control, ensuring the protection of civilians and upholding humanitarian principles.
