Topic: 2025 – Responsibility of International Organizations
Country: Peru
Delegate Name: Luis Avila
Legal Committee
Responsibility of International Organizations
The Republic of Peru
Luis Avila, Forest Hills Northern High School
Over the past decade, United Nations peacekeeping operations have been involved in controversies affecting thousands of civilians, highlighting the urgent need to clarify the responsibility of international organizations. In 2010, cholera was introduced to Haiti by United Nations (UN) peacekeeping forces from Nepal, where the disease was prevalent. The outbreak occurred in 2010 due to inadequate sanitation in a UN camp. Untreated waste from the camp was dumped into an open septic pit that overflowed into a nearby stream, causing over 8,000 deaths. Addressing this concern, the International Law Commission (ILC) drafted articles on the responsibilities of international organizations, 2011.
Peru believes that international organizations should be held accountable for their actions when the results cause harm, while still ensuring that their operations are effective and not compromised. Peru agrees with the terms and conclusion of the ILC articles, as they outlined the legal obligations international organizations have. The cholera outbreak is a prime example of the consequences of little accountability and the limitations of current immunity protections. At the national level, Peru informs its positions on human rights and international cooperation. Peru’s normative commitment to the passing of: ICCPR, ICESCR, CAT, CEDAW, CRC, CERD, and TPNW (2021). Through Peru’s historical support of these human rights treaties, it has been shown that Peru respects international law obligations and supports accountability. Peru’s track record of treaty ratification gives weight to its position; it’s not just ideological. Peru has already legally committed to upholding human rights and accountability at the international level. If individual states are bound by these treaties, then IOs should also be subject to clear legal responsibilities for harm.
Peru believes that international organizations should be held fully accountable for actions that cause harm. That being said, this accountability should be balanced with operational effectiveness and independence. Peru supports creating accountability systems that fit each international organization, like NATO, the World Bank, the WHO, and regional unions, because each organization works differently and has different missions. These systems could include regular internal checks, clear rules for reporting and handling harm caused by the organization, and independent review boards to make sure decisions are fair and responsible. This accountability should be upheld at three different levels. First, through the organization itself, the organization must enforce rules and set ethical boundaries to prevent harm from happening. Second, Member states, countries that participate in IOs, must cooperate when or if harm occurs. Lastly, individuals, people working in IOs must face personal responsibility if they have broken an international law. Peru also supports creating special funds to help people who are harmed by the actions of international organizations. These funds would give victims real compensation, not just promises of accountability. .By promoting accountability, transparency, and shared responsibility, Peru aims to help build international organizations that are effective and fair.
