Topic: 2024-The Situation in Guyana
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Shriya Nallan Chakravarthi
Allowing Venezuela to annex the Essquibo Border sets a dangerous precedent for future disputes. The border, first created by the 1899 Arbitral Award but never validly established, is now contested by Venezuela upon the discovery of oil in the region in 2015. Even though the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has declared its ruling and issued Venezuela a warning not to escalate the situation further, complete disregard for the warning has now escalated tensions to increase oil production. Peaceful negotiations are vital in resolving the current tensions.
Canada faces critical stakes in diplomatically resolving the dispute over the region due to Canada’s investments, engagement with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Organization of American States (OAS), and its focus on peaceful diplomacy. Firstly, among the foreign investors in Guyana, one of the largest are Canadian mining companies: G-Mining Ventures Corporation, Tajiri Resources, G2 Goldfields Inc, etc. The Essquibo region, rich in mineral resources and oil, is attractive for future mining ventures, profiting both Guyana and Canada. These profits, however, can only be realized through long-term stability and predictability of the region’s legal and political environment. A shift in territorial control, especially due to an escalation, will lower these profits immensely. Canada is not only investing in Guyannian economics but also in Guyannian stability. Secondly, CARICOM and Canada have had a strategic partnership since 2023, and Canada has been a part of the OAS since 1990. CARICOM and OAS rejected the internationally disputed referendum in 2023. The ICJ’s referendum and the Venezuela annexation completely violate international law prohibiting governments from seizing or annexing other states’ territory. Tensions cannot escalate when the ICJ and the United Nations Security Council enforce this international law upon Venezuela. Lastly, peaceful diplomacy is vital in resolving the tension within the region. With a long history of leveraging diplomatic channels to preserve peace through legal principles, and despite Venezuela’s rejection of the ICJ’s initial ruling, heightening the obstacles to secure peace, Canada supports continued appeals to the ICJ. These appeals underscore the commitment to legal and peaceful resolution of the dispute. Canada’s involvement in the Essequibo dispute highlights its focus on peaceful diplomacy and regional stability. With the goal of long-term stability, supporting international law, and appeals to the ICJ’s rulings, Canada reinforces its commitment to resolving tensions through legal and diplomatic means.
The Dominion of Canada’s multifaceted role in preserving peace is of prodigious importance. Canada urges the Special Political Committee to halt any annexation of the region without fair and just legal proceedings. Canada holds Venezuela responsible for ending its violation of international law and holds the UNSC accountable for enforcing this law.
