Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Finland
Delegate Name: Robert/RJ Langen
Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Indiscriminate Weapons
Republic of Finland
RJ/Robert Langen
Forest Hills Northern
Finland recognizes the grave threat that indiscriminate weapons pose to international peace, security, and humanitarian principles. Indiscriminate weapons, including landmines, cluster munitions, and certain types of explosive devices, do not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, leading to unacceptable civilian casualties and long-term socio-economic consequences. The use of such weapons has been documented in various conflicts worldwide, resulting in loss of innocent lives, displacement of populations, and hindering post-conflict recovery efforts. The international community has made strides in addressing this issue through instruments like the Ottawa Treaty (Mine Ban Treaty) and the Convention on Cluster Munitions; however, challenges remain due to non-universal adherence and the emergence of new technologies that may circumvent existing regulations.
Finland is deeply committed to the promotion of international humanitarian law and has actively participated in global efforts to eliminate the use of indiscriminate weapons. Finland acceded to the Ottawa Treaty in 2012 and has since completed the destruction of its anti-personnel mine stockpiles, reaffirming its dedication to a world free of landmines. Additionally, Finland supports the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) and its protocols that seek to prohibit or restrict the use of weapons deemed excessively injurious or whose effects are indiscriminate. Finland contributes to mine action programs and victim assistance initiatives in affected countries, providing both financial support and expertise. Through cooperation with international organizations and non-governmental organizations, Finland aims to alleviate the suffering caused by these weapons and to promote sustainable development in post-conflict regions.
Finland calls upon all member states to reinforce their commitment to international treaties addressing indiscriminate weapons and to work collaboratively towards universalization and effective implementation of these agreements. Finland recommends the following actions:
1. Universal Ratification and Implementation: Encourage all states that have not yet ratified the Ottawa Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions to do so promptly and to implement their provisions effectively.
2. Strengthening International Legal Frameworks: Support the enhancement of existing international legal instruments and consider the development of new protocols under the CCW to address emerging technologies that may have indiscriminate effects.
3. Humanitarian Mine Action: Increase international cooperation and assistance for mine clearance, risk education, and victim assistance programs to mitigate the impact of indiscriminate weapons on affected communities.
4. Transparency and Reporting: Promote transparency measures, including comprehensive reporting on stockpiles, clearance efforts, and victim assistance, to build confidence and encourage compliance among states.
5. Research and Development of Alternatives: Invest in the research and development of alternative technologies and methods for national defense that do not rely on weapons with indiscriminate effects.
By taking these steps, the international community can make significant progress toward eliminating the threats posed by indiscriminate weapons. Finland reaffirms its commitment to working with all nations to promote peace, protect civilians, and uphold the principles of international humanitarian law.
References:
https://disarmament.unoda.org/anti-personnel-landmines-convention/
https://disarmament.unoda.org/the-convention-on-certain-conventional-weapons/
