Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Afghanistan
Delegate Name: Chase Martin
The Delegate of Afghanistan knows firsthand how Afghanistan has endured decades of conflict that have left the nation heavily contaminated with landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). These indiscriminate weapons continue to inflict harm on civilians, hinder economic growth, and weaken efforts to rebuild peace and prosperity. This delegation strongly supports and advises global initiatives to eliminate these sorts of weapons and advocates for increased international collaboration to accelerate clearance operations to ensure adherence to international disarmament treaties and assist affected communities.
Indiscriminate weapons, including landmines, cluster munitions, and other ERWs, pose a constant threat to Afghanistan’s recovery and stability. The nation’s experiences undergo the broader global challenges posed by these weapons including and not limited to: Economic and Developmental cost, a Lack of Universal Adherence, and the impact on civilian lives. In further detail on the last point, Afghanistan remains one of the most heavily mined countries in world with thousands of deaths per year due to so. Encountering a solution to that problem is paramount for this delegation and will find ways to benefit all countries.
Afghanistan calls for universal ratification of the Ottawa Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions and urges states to modernize these frameworks to address emerging technologies in warfare. The Ottawa Treaty (also known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention) distinctly prohibits the production, place, and stockpiling of landmines. With 35 nations not accepting this Treaty those countries will follow in Afghanistan’s stead as civilian casualties increase by the year.
Afghanistan’s ongoing battle with the consequences of indiscriminate weapons highlights the urgent need for a concrete solution by strengthening treaties and prioritizing victim assistance. DISEC can help create a safer world for all of us. The Delegation of Afghanistan remains committed and driven to collaborate with the global community to eliminate these weapons and achieve forever lasting peace, safety, and prosperity.
