Conflict Commodities

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Albania
Delegate Name: Matthew DeLapp
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Conflict commodities are a source of grief and turmoil that have caused numerous issues throughout the world; more specifically in nations such as Angola, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Although the wars in the countries have exhausted, rebels still hold some regions of the countries today. These regions are abundant sources of diamonds, and the rebel forces enslave the people to mine them so that they can fuel their army, and by doing so fueling armed conflict that may lead to the overthrowing of legitimate governments. That is where the two major conflicts occur: firstly, the mining of diamonds is an encroachment of Human rights, and secondly, it is fueling rebel groups that have intentions of overthrowing governments, which would lead to may more major issues. Albania thinks that in order to stop these events from occurring, we must first work out peaceful negotiations between both sides of the civil wars. If we stop the wars, then there will be no need for rebel groups to force people to mine diamonds in order to finance them. A good way that this can be accomplished would be to set up peace meetings, mediated by world powers, such as the United States and other countries that share the same view. Another problem that has arisen because of the conflict commodities in Africa, are refugees. People have fled the region in fear of the rebel groups, and in a greater fear that they will be enslaved to the diamond mines. Albania believes that these refugees need support, and we would support anything that would give them aid and relief. Albania thinks that these problems are only going to be solved if we come together to help stop this problem. With the help of the UN, we can solve these problems and help to prevent conflict commodities from occurring in the future.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Algeria
Delegate Name: Adam Barnett
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Conflict commodities such as diamonds, timber and cocoa have been fueling rebel wars in Africa for over a decade. We believe that these blood diamonds are in no way helpful to maintaining peace in the nations afflicted with these issues.

These commodities might cause a rebel victory against a legitimate government but in the end, those economic strengths wont hold up to support the government. These conflicts leave other nations in terrible economic dismay and their chances of rebuilding a strong economy much lower. These deficiencies will not only affect the nation involved in the conflict but all the nations otherwise involved with that country. We could be affected through trade mainly but possibly other economic outlets.

We stand behind the Kimberley Process and believe that it has worked wonders in diminishing the threats associated with the Blood diamonds. Even though the certification scheme is not one hundred percent effective, it is the best preventative measure that has been taken. Statistics on this issue are not well established and we must be able to identify the problem completely before we can solve it completely. We will continue to act and support the struggle against conflict commodities.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Angola
Delegate Name: Erika Boll
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Conflict commodities have been an ongoing problem for decades. As members of the United Nations strive for ways to obtain a peace, these commodities such as diamonds, cocoa beans and agriculture products still are being illegally exchanged for weapons on a regular basis by numerous rebel groups throughout Africa, which in result, means deaths consistently. Angola is in strong agreement with the opinion of many other countries, in that conflict commodities need to be stopped and some sort of a peace must be found. As a founding father of the African Diamond Council and a participant in the Kimberley Process, Angola is working hard to combat the issue of conflict commodities, particularly diamonds in our own country. Angola has dealt with high percentages of conflict diamonds during a 27-year civil war. Now that we have resolved many internal issues and not in war, we have placed great extents of emphasis on the area of our conflict diamonds. Since the stress has been placed upon these conflict diamonds, the number has drastically decreased in a very short time. Parts of this complex matter have been dealt with the Kimberley Process, which has placed strict regulations on all importing and exporting of diamonds. In addition to the Kimberley Process, we wish to extend the prevention of all conflict commodities throughout all countries. Sanctions were also an effective method when placed upon our main conflict diamond exporter, National Union for the Total Independence of Angola(UNITA). We hope to further decrease the export percentage of conflict diamonds and strongly believe that with the assistance of allies helping in strengthening the mining of the diamonds and the security in exporting, much of this concern can be eliminated.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Allison Fecko
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

In support of the progress of developing proposals to terminate the fuelling conflicts of world trade, Argentina believes we need to maintain international peace and security. Countries that use the profit from trading to get arms for war are interrupting world peace. We need to think of a way to end this conflict very soon.

A major aspect that causes this conflict is diamonds. The Kimberley Process was created to stop countries from financing wars through diamond sales. This process certifies that the origin of the diamonds are not conflicting. It was also made to assure consumers that they are not a part of financing war and human rights abuses by purchasing diamonds.

The Kimberley Process accepts countries to be a member of the process. Countries are added to it if they promise that any diamond coming from their country does not help finance a rebel group or other groups trying to overthrow governments, that every diamond that they export to another country must contain a Kimberley Process certificate proving that it is not being exported to support a rebel group, and that they will not import from, or export to, a country that is not a member of the process. It ensures that all the countries of this scheme are dealing with non-conflict diamonds.

Argentina believes that we need to act as soon as possible on this conflict because of security and humanitarian concerns. We feel that we need to create a larger participation in the proposed scheme. This is important and should be encouraged by others as well. We also agree that the proposals of solutions are all reasonable and have great potential to solve this issue.

Specifically, Argentina would like the Kimberley Process to solve outstanding issues. These include; confirming the accuracy of measures that need to be taken, considerations made by administrators, and describing the possible international instruments that cover the certification scheme. These actions will help to ensure that the sales of diamonds are not being funded into financing wars.

In order to prevent the funding of wars through trade, countries need to come together to help to maintain international peace and security. We need to put an end to this interruption of our peace and safety.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Bahrain
Delegate Name: Hassan Saad
School: Dearborn High School

Conflict is found in many places across the world however, the question that is at hand is how and why it is being funded? Every day, cocaine, diamonds and timber are being used to fund conflict such as war, riots and corruption in the government. Wars need money and the only way to get money is to sell the natural resources such as timber and minerals. Many terrorist organizations use the money that is being received for these rare goods to pay for guns and other weapons. The key issue that needs to be brought up at this conference is what can we do to stop this support that is being given to guerrillas and terrorist organizations within our very own countries. I’m not saying that we all have them, all I am saying is the first step to solving the problem, is locating these various groups and finding their source. When the source is found, we can all look for ways to reduce the source from funding terrorist groups.

As a delegate of Bahrain, I cannot stress enough how this is getting way out of hand. Although my country is a major exporter of pearls and oil, I can guarantee that we do everything in our power to keep these rare resources from becoming a way to fund terrorist organizations. Bahrain and all other countries should come together and unite to help stopping this global problem. One nation cannot fight alone, but many nations fighting for the same cause together can deflate this growing problem and keep the world a safer place. With the United Nations, we can solve the problem and maybe even stop it from occurring in the future.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: Rachel Whitaker
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Conflict commodities play a major role in violent conflicts in many countries. Conflict commodities are items such as gem stones, minerals and timber but the major problem is with blood diamonds. Blood diamonds fuel rebel causes and support military operations. The more money rebel forces get from selling blood diamonds the more problems they can cause. This problem is most prevalent in sub-Sahara Africa. The U.N. works to prevent and stop the production of conflict commodities such as blood diamonds in several regions. Bangladesh supports the further passage of laws and regulations dealing with preventing conflict commodities.

Bangladesh supports the U.N.’s actions in fighting conflict commodities. Bangladesh has in recent years voted for the passage of several U.N. resolutions dealing with fixing the problems connected with conflict commodities. They voted to pass resolution 56/263 in 2002. This resolution specifically deals with stopping blood diamonds from contributing to armed conflict as mentioned in the first paragraph of the resolution. Bangladesh’s permanent representative, Anwarul Chowdhury, has spoken several times on the subject suggesting even tougher laws and restrictions on blood diamonds in Sierra Leone.

There are already several methods out there for preventing the further support of rebels through conflict commodities such as the Kimberly process and conflict free diamonds that the U.N. passed that Bangladesh supported. The Kimberly process traces where the diamond originated from. This is to ensure that it was from a conflict free zone and that in no way did the purchase of the diamond support rebel troops. Fines would be placed on countries who could not verify that their diamonds where conflict free. This process led to the formation of the world Diamond council. It is an organization with representatives from diamond manufacturing and diamond trading companies that works to reduce the number of conflict diamonds entering the diamond market. Conflict free diamonds are diamonds that are guaranteed not to help finance and war effort or rebel cause and are mined under ethical and safe conditions. Bangladesh has supported the passage of all three of these programs. Bangladesh believes that we could do even more such as enforce embargoes that stop the trading of blood diamonds or put trade regulations on countries that have conflict commodities coming out of them.

Bangladesh realizes that conflict commodities are a problem and support stopping the trading. Anything that we can do in this world to lesson the violence is a good thing.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Belgium
Delegate Name: Ellen Moeller
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

The Kingdom of Belgium recognizes the problem of conflict commodities in developing nations, particularly in Africa. Resource-rich countries have continually been the focus of internal warfare and conflict. Belgium feels that the lack of strong implementation of laws and misappropriate placement of funding in these developing countries with regards to resources has amplified these issues. In addition, lack of assessment of officials has caused corruption to continue in areas undergoing reconstruction and peacekeeping processes.

Although not plagued by the difficulties of conflict commodities in our own country, as a part of the European Union (which contributes to many of the UN peace-keeping operations) Belgium feels that the situation of how to assess and properly administer commodities in these resource rich countries must be improved upon. We recognize and support Global Witness for their efforts to combat these issues and reaffirm the laws set down by the Kimberly Process regarding diamonds in West Africa. However, we agree that these laws must be strengthened, better implemented, and carefully tracked. Belgium also reaffirms Resolution 1643 adopted by the Security Council in December 2005, calling for the creation of a five-member group of experts to exchange and analyze information regarding certain conflict commodities as well as advise countries on how to improve conflicting situations regarding natural resources. When beginning the reconstruction process, Belgium feels that better assessment of officials is necessary so as to limit the corruption and ameliorate the administration. However, we are in agreement with Global Witness in that civility groups should be used although closely monitored.

Belgium feels that many advancements have been made in the last decade regarding how to cope with conflict resources in unstable countries. However, many of these laws and processes must be analyzed, strengthened, and closely monitored so as to mitigate the amount of corruption and misuse of funding and commodities. Belgium feels that since much has already been discussed, resolutions have been passed, and committees formed, it should be the goal of our assembly not to create any new additions but rather to strengthen those already in place.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Central African Republic
Delegate Name: Winnie Hong
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Conflict commodities are considered to be a formidable problem today due to the fact that it not only affects those involved but also the people and countries around. These “blood diamonds” directly affect the stability or instability of national governments. And although many of the major conflicts have ended, conflict diamonds continue to fuel rebel based activities everywhere, the Central African Republic included. The Central African Republic’s is the 10th largest diamond producing country in the world, generating revenue of about US$100 million per year with over 50% of our export earnings dependant on them. The sheer volume of diamonds produced in the DRC and Angola has overshadowed the importance of the CAR’s much smaller diamond economy. And on the bright side, the country has not been considered a producer of conflict diamonds like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Angola.

Although diamonds are what keeps this country afloat, it also contributes to many internal conflicts in our government. There have been numerous coup attempts in the country since 1996 and with its close proximity to rebel-held territory in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, conflict diamond trading is rampant throughout the countries. Fortunately, there have been improvements, The Kimberley Process will carried out its first official review mission in June 2003 to determine whether the Central African Republic is taking effective actions to stop the trade in conflict diamonds and have said yes. The BECDOR, established in 1982to oversee the internal diamond market and to valuate official exports, has been rid of much corruption and performs much more effectively today.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Chad
Delegate Name: Imari Swanson
School: Flint Central Academy

Commodities have played the role of continuing wars as well as being the reason for war. Many countries enter war and trade of commodities keeps fueling the fire. As trade continues, the more resources being provided to finance military actions. Trade of timer has definitely been great source of financing war, prolonging conflict in Asia and Africa. There are also feuds over ownership of commodities. Countries tend to fight over resources including timber, gemstones, minerals, and diamonds.
The Nation of Chad depends on only 3 commodities, being cotton, cattle, and gum arabic. None being a huge demand on import or export, to the point where conflict is necessary. Chad is a developing nation, we are yet to recover from years of hardship and become economically stable. Our nation is in the process of trying to better our economy, so engaging in conflict over commodities is not in our plans. Issues such as political instability, variable rainfall, and corruption continue to hinder our economy. We have no means of wealth or any strongly desired commodities to even contribute to this global issue.
Chad would like to see a resolution presented to this body that helps tackle this issue of commodities being reason for destructive conflicts throughout our world. We would hopefully like to see better monitoring of commodities so that our surrounding nations may not be the target for diamond conflict. We, the people of Chad, has not been an eyewitness to the matter, but we are very aware of what is taking place. Innocent children are in danger, and innocent lives have been taken, all because meaningless disputes and hunger for riches.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: China
Delegate Name: Max Johnson
School: Flint Central Academy

Conflict commodities are used as vehicles for advancing and perpetuating conflicts. Conflict commodities are rare regional commodities either in high demand in remote regions, or they are being fought over within the very region in which they are located by multiple parties all vying for the same resource. Conflict commodities, being rare goods and natural resources, include diamonds, cocoa, gold, timber, coltan, cassiterite, and various other minerals. Current conflicts which are fueled through the exchange of these rare commodities are those which continue on in Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The People’s Republic of China recognizes the cultivation and aggregation of goods in localized areas of struggle and conflict, and the exchange of these goods at exceedingly high rates with remote nations and other remote entities, which can result in the escalation of tension or conflict within those localities, as a matter with which industrialized nations, must address objectively and with the utmost concern for the uninvolved parties, which are subject to the violence and turmoil of those conflicts and struggles.

This problem must be met a with a resolution which can accepted by all industrialized and developed member states of the United Nations and the nations involved regionally with the current conflicts which are now taking place. China is committed towards making this progress through a series of comprehensive strategies that lie with the framework of the United Nations Charter, the International Convenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Mallory Squibb
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The crisis at hand is the conflict commodities including the “blood diamonds” being sold out of West Africa. These diamonds are fueling the conflict in the Congo that has killed about 4 million people. The problem lies in the fact that the country is very rich in resources but the people are not paid enough and left in poverty while the people running the commodities are rich. Colombia’s position on this problem is pushing for control over the diamond trade business, although we will not be able to provide any aid. Their needs to be a stop put on the trade of these “blood diamonds.” These countries governments should take a stronger control of their rebel groups. Colombia is also facing conflict commodities but has received help from the United States in disarming the rebel group. Colombia’s suggestion to those who need to take control of their rebel groups would be outside aid from other countries. We think that if we disarmed the people in charge of the diamonds then the war occurring in the Congo would stop and many lives could be saved. The largest problems with the “blood diamonds” are in the Congo, but other problems lye in Sudan, Angola, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. These are the countries that do not contain a strong enough government to stop the problem. Countries with a stronger government will be able to work with Colombia to set new guidelines to the trade of the diamonds.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Costa Rica
Delegate Name: Kelli Pflug
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Through its history Costa Rica has been advocate of human rights. It strongly condemns the human rights violations that occur due to funding provided by the conflict commodities and as a member of the UN, believe that it is our duty to end these atrocities.

On September 14, 2005 Resolution 1625 was adopted by the United Nations Security Council. This Resolution was the first to acknowledge the tie between resources and armed conflict shown by the statement “Reaffirming the need to adopt a broad strategy of conflict prevention, which addresses the root causes of armed conflict….” The Republic of Costa Rica has long recognized this phenomenon and has dealt with this issue for numerous years as one of its neighboring countries Colombia is embroiled in a war funded by conflict commodities which has been ongoing for approximatly forty years.
Costa Rica recognizes a conflict commodity as a commodity that is causing inter- or intra- state conflict broadly defined to include renewable and non-renewable resources. Conflict commodities take on many forms; however, most commonly diamonds, oil(natural gases), water, timber, minerals, and drugs. Though, most of the United Nations efforts are focused on the widely publicized issue of conflict diamonds, which has funded civil wars in Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Republic of Costa Rica recognizes that there have been positive steps toward the resolution of the issue of conflict diamonds namely the Kimberly Process. We believe that the council is ready to move forward in addressing conflict commodities as a whole. Suggesting that further trade regulations would be an appropriate step; in addition, corporations will assume social responsibility through joining coalitions such as The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative or initiatives such as fair trade labeling or eco-labeling to inform the consumer. Costa Rica would in addition like to remind the Security Council that there are is a large scale conflict commodity induced war occurring in the nation of Colombia. Currently The Republic of Costa Rica has taken steps to limit the influence of this war by signing the Maritime Agreement in conjunction with the United States of America. However, the chaos of Colombia has gone on for approximately forty years with numerous infringements on human rights and Costa Rica thinks that this issue should be recognized.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Cuba
Delegate Name: Nate Pestka
School: Forest Hills Central High School

For far to long the rights of people have been overshadowed by the greed of those who call themselves humanitarians. The biggest with conflict commodities today are oil and of course diamonds. As a nation, Cuba is one of the smallest importers of diamonds in the world, and we depend on less oil than any other nation in the western hemisphere. To solve these problems, we believe that it is imperative to confront the biggest hypocrites of them all, the Americans.

For the last century, sense the invention of the ford automobile, America has had the largest dependence on oil of any country in the world. Recently, they have started a war out of their own selfishness and greed. They refuse to tap their own oil reserves for “environmental reasons” but have absolutely no problem with decimating entire nations in the feeble pursuit of black gold. As of late, Americans have attempted to pioneer the movement for peace in Darfur and the boycotting of conflict diamonds, however, once again they are saying and then doing two very different things. America is the world’s largest importer of African diamonds and standards for the evaluation of techniques in which the diamonds are mined are almost completely unknown.

As a nation, we are committed to improving the screening of all conflict commodities to insure the fair treatment of those less fortunate around the world. This will, unfortunately, be a very difficult task, due to the overwhelming military power of unfair nations, such as America, and the never ending lies of the American propaganda machine.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Czech Republic
Delegate Name: Leen Khatib
School: Saline High School

All over the world, there are many countries that have problems with conflict commodities. Many of these countries are found in Africa. Countries trade resources illegally in order to bring in revenue and this tends to corrupt the government. The main conflict commodities are diamonds, oil, cocoa beans and timber. These resources are usually traded in for weapons. The fact that natural resources are being used to fund wars and enslave people is an issue that demands consideration. Many terrorist organizations are being funded by these trades. Their operations are funded by the conflict commodities. The Czech Republic believes that the United Nations shouldn't take this topic light and that we must all work together in order to better the issue at hand. The Czech Republic believes that the key issue that must be addressed at this conference is what can be done to stop the support that is given to terrorists.

The Czech Republic agrees with many of the European countries and believes that it is very important to find a resolution for these conflict commodities in Africa. Czech Republic urges the countries and delegates of the United Nations to come together in the effort to reach a successful resolution. This is a very serious problem and the United Nations must find a way to stop conflict commodities.

The Czech Republic is interested in working with the members of the EU in order to come to a solution that most countries will agree with. This issue at hand needs to be solved immediately and action must be taken against this illegal activity. The Czech Republic hopes that the United Nations can come together to form a resolution in a quick manner.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Delegate Name: Karly Lawniczak
School: Royal Oak High School

As a nation riddled by the effects of conflict commodities, the Democratic Republic of Congo would like to see countless reforms. A prominent factor fueling and sustaining these conflicts is the fight for natural resources. With the ongoing clashes occurring, many countries have fallen prey to corruption, and the weakening of economies. A University of British Colombia study showed that in 2003 there were 29 armed conflicts involving a state; a 40% decline from 1992 where 50 such conflicts occurred. Even with the decline of conflicts in some places, the terror that it has brought to many civilians must be stopped. By looking at what has caused this decline of conflicts hopefully we can eliminate them all together. By reducing or eradicating the corruption of natural resources, supporting good governance, and transparency, we can begin to weaken the use of conflict commodities. The prosecution of those who finance and support corruption of conflict commodities has not yet escalated to level where it can be considered solved. The exploitation of many resources has created an uphill battle. With every step the UN takes to destroy conflict commodities, the more those who strive only for incentive have pushed back and taken away the chance to help those in need. Every time a resources price is raised, every time a blood diamond is exploited, the drive that the UN is struggling to create is being destroyed. Without the combined efforts of consumer, producer, or government, the atrocity of conflict commodities will continue.

A contract report in DR Congo was recently released, stating that 61 mining contracts in DR Congo are to be cancelled or renegotiated. Conflict commodities not only start wars, they are the key to rebuilding nations after war. By reviewing and changing things like unfair or corrupt mining contracts before the misuse use of commodities occurs, DR Congo has stepped onto the path to rebuilding its economy. By solidifying the mining contracts legitimacy, DR Congo has not only improved our own standards, but has promoted the international investment in mining.

By identifying regions in the world that have experienced the injustices and corruption of conflict commodities, the UN can begin to prevent them. It is with deep concern the DR Congo looks upon the events that are caused by conflict commodities. DR Congo wishes to not only identify the conflicts like verification processes, corruption, and transparency, but to create an idea to resolve these growing concerns.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Denmark
Delegate Name: Rei Gjeci
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

00, in the town of Kimberley, South Africa, the diamond industry and governments met to fight the trade in diamonds from conflict sectors in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Rebels of Sierra Leone chop victims’ arms off to obtain workers in the search for diamonds. “Liberia’s UN Ambassador Nathaniel Barnes said he expects the lifting of diamond sanctions to have an ‘incredibly positive’ impact because it will provide jobs in a country with an 85 percent unemployment rate(Wood 1).” It would be illegal anywhere else in the world to use workers in this form.
Denmark strongly believes in the elimination of the use of rough diamonds in benefiting armed conflicts. “Violent conflicts, food shortages and governance crises are some of the most widespread causes”said Denmark’s United Nations Ambassador, Ellen Margrethe Loj to the Security Council. United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution on the fueling conflict in the trade of diamonds. Human rights abuse and trade in rough diamonds was witnessed in Angola. The General Assembly’s resolution supports breaking the connection among these armed conflicts.
The United Nations Security Council resolution along with the support by the United States, have maintained aid in the Liberian government to join the Kimberly Process. It would be reviewed in 90 days to lift diamond sanctions, and taking the UN experts consideration in the sanctions on Liberian connection with the Kimberly Process. In an overall view, the Kimberly Process is defending the diamond industry in use of rough diamonds. The General Assembly strongly encourages the Member States into being a part of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme. There are many actions taken by the Assembly into supporting this Scheme. Many meetings have been held on the Kimberly Process, some in South African, to review the achievements that have been affective of the Scheme.
To prevent the violence, use of rough diamonds, and support the human rights in African countries mainly focusing on Liberia, Sierra Leone and Angola, the actions from the United Nations should continue in supporting to eliminate this conflict. The Kingdom of Denmark believes it is necessary to be a part of the Kimberly Process. The Kingdom of Denmark also recommends any needed support in ending the use of rough diamonds to finance armed conflicts.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Ecuador
Delegate Name: Alexandra Marks
School: Flint Central Academy

The nation Ecuador has recognized that many natural resources have now become a problem for some countries. Different resources such as diamonds are directly associated to armed conflict between countries, rebel movements that are trying to overthrow the government and provide the funds for the weapons that are being brought into the country to cause harm to the citizens. Other natural resources are being used to finance these different rebel groups that are starting wars in different countries. This nation exports a conflict commodity, oil, but has not experienced any conflict with other nations or rebel groups within the nation. Our economy is based on petroleum production for the domestic market, not for any other means.

Ecuador is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and make sure that the exporting of oil is done the correct way. This could be something that could help the nations who have conflict commodities who want to take the approach to still export goods and not cause chaos. It will take the cooperation from other nations to come together and figure out a solution. Ecuador would hope that all who support the production of these commodities can distinguish a difference to where the commodities are not being used for destructive uses for trading. Ecuador is in favor of a system that better helps the trading process and an arrangement for making sure that all other nations comply with the method of trading. With this suggestion, this nation will want to act in respect for the national sovereignty of each country.

There should not be a specific punishment for countries that do not comply with the proper systematic way of trading, just knowing that if countries do not, there is always the consequence of rebel groups and war problems that will occur.

The nation of Ecuador does not want to have to end the trade between other nations of the oil that is produced so this nation hopes that there can be an agreement drawn up with all other nations.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: El Salvador
Delegate Name: Matt Killman
School: Forest Hills Central High School

In El Salvadors point of view, conflict commodities are not something to be fought over. Even through a series of serious changes in the area, such as a main commoditie of Indigo being replaced with artificial dyes, as well as earthquakes and other natural disasters ruining crops, El Salvador has still managed to produce one very important agricultural commodity: coffee.

Because coffee is such a valued, and fought over commodity, El Salvador would like to see restrictions on the plant put in place, so that power house nations in the industry, such as Brazil, do not throw El Salvadors buisness into ruins. With other conflict commodities arousing problems in the same nature as coffees, El Salvador believes that restrictions should not only be placed on coffee, but on other products as well.

Some other countries that may hold the same view as El Salvador in the upcomming discussions are mainly located in the equatorial region of the world, mainly in south and central America.
Nations such as Mexico, Honduras, and other countries in their general vicinity.

Since the 1870s, El Salvador has relied on Coffee as their main cash crop export. Being such a small nation, in the heart of Central America, El Salvador relies on this crop to help endow its economy. With a recent shortage of growth in the economy because of a series of National disasters and a civil war, El Salvador has not ben sufficiantely able to increase government spending in certain areas pertinent to economic growth and stimulation.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Ethiopia
Delegate Name: Alex King
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

We the delegation of Ethiopia recognizes the problem of conflict commodities to be a serious issue. Precious natural resources such as diamonds, timber, and valuable metals are causing many resource-rich countries immense harm. These conflict commodities are being sold illegally by rebel groups and corrupt government officials. With the funds received from selling these commodities rebel armies can pay for the wars they are fighting against legitimate and well-establish governments. With the supply of arms to the wrong group of people they can start horrible conflict in certain areas, and this is exactly what is happening. These rebel groups are devastating many countries causing genocides, mass destruction, rape, and unbalancing governments.

Rebel groups are also causing many deaths with the innocent people working to get these commodities. This horrible issue has been going on for years and needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. It becomes apparent that the countries with the richest natural resources are places with some of the worst conflicts. This illegal trade often destabilizes the legal markets and adds to the economic upheaval caused by war.

As Ethiopia is neighbors with many of the countries dealing with these issues we realize that we need to step in and help reduce these problems. However, Ethiopia also needs help from other nation’s governments, diamond traders, arms manufacturers, and social and educational institutions to help cut off sources to rebel armies and encourage peace. Individually, we are determined to not let any trading grounds for conflict commodities take place on our soil. If we work through this together, we are positive this conflict will be stopped.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Ghana
Delegate Name: Matthew Easton
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Conflict commodities are a major issue in today’s economic, militaristic, and political landscape. Even though the wars in Angola, Sierra Leone, and Liberia have ended, conflict diamonds still remain a powerful force in rebel-held areas in northern Cote d’Ivoire. The reason that the trade of conflict diamonds continues to be a matter of serious international concern is because these diamonds can be directly linked to the fueling of armed conflict, specifically those of rebel movements aiming at undermining or overthrowing legitimate governments. That is not the worst of the situation, however; this trade has a devastating impact on the peace, safety, and security of the people in the affected countries. Also, the trade of conflict diamonds negatively affects the countries in the surrounding regions, making this a topic that specifically draws the eye of the UN, because the United Nations Charter is very serious about the maintenance of international peace and security.

Ghana is currently a very important country largely involved in stopping this crisis. In an October 2006 UN report it was stated that over $23 million dollars worth of conflict diamonds have been entering a legitimate diamond pipeline from Cote d’Ivoire, a large majority coming through Ghana. In 2006 the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) agreed to take several courses of action in Ghana: for a three month period, all Ghanaian diamond exports will be inspected by an independent diamond expert provided by the World Diamond Council, to ascertain origin; Ghana will revise all of its internal control procedures, including the licensing of diggers, dealers, and exporters; a data base of Ghana’s known diamond resources will be drawn up for comparison against exports from Ghana; finally, a Kimberley Process Review Team visited Ghana in February 2007 to review the findings and the new control systems, with a view to endorsing them or taking further action. Because Ghana is a member of the KPCS we agreed to the terms, and in a March 2007 report on the condition of the rough diamonds in Ghana, the only things said were positive; Ghana hopes that other countries will follow its example in the stopping of the illegal trade of conflict diamonds through the procedures set up by the KPCS.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Greece
Delegate Name: Sudeepti Rachakonda
School: Saline High School

The Hellenic Republic of Greece has a geographic location which has made it inevitable for continuous engagement with conflicts between Asia, Europe and Asia. Greece has fully committed itself the problems with conflict commodities in Africa. While conflict commodities like diamonds can be beneficial to a country by funding for wars it is not worth taking away human rights from the citizens. The fact that people are being tortured, killed, and The fact that people are using natural resources to fund wars and, by doing so, enslave, torture, and strip human rights from their countrymen is an issue that demands serious consideration making conflict commodities an issue that immediately needs to be attended to. Greece has always put people’s rights first and is dedicated to have that happen in areas affected by conflict commodities.

Greece believes that peaceful negotiations must be made between the two sides that started the conflict. We have to do more than bring world powers into the country. Greece welcomes the important contributions made by the diamond industry, in particular the World Diamond Council and feels that if we involved more NGO’s that we can solve this conflict peacefully without any military action or without sending world powers into the country.

Greece is very interested in cooperating with the members of the European Union and the United Nations in order to find an effective and peaceful resolution to this pressing issue. By taking care of this problem as soon as possible we can save a nation before it caves in to civil war and mass chaos. Greece fears that the interaction of powerful nations directly helping Africa would cause a riot like the current situation in Iraq. Greece strongly believes by involving NGO’s we can find the best solution to resolve this problem and slowly pave the way to peace in Africa and other areas greatly affected by conflict commodities.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Guatemala
Delegate Name: Wasil Khogaly
School: Flint Central Academy

The Republic of Guatemala recognizes the devastation that the world faces with Conflict Commodities. This ongoing tragedy that has been going in the world for decades now. It has affected millions and millions of people around the world, including from the nation of Guatemala. The conflicts take place over a wide range of commodities such as gold, sliver, diamonds, food resources, oils, and timber. In many of the African countries, most conflicts have been over such things as diamonds; gold. In the nation of Sierra Leone blood diamonds have torn this country apart. According to a report by Partnership Africa Canada (P.A.C.), upwards of 50,000 have been killed, half of the population displaced, and more than two-thirds of its already severely limited infrastructure destroyed. Agriculture provides the backbone of Guatemala’s economy, contributing 25% of the GDP, employing over half of the labor force and providing two thirds of exports, mostly coffee, sugar, bananas and beef. Forests are an important resource for Guatemala, providing chicle (gum) and timber. The nation of Guatemala has had its own issues with conflict commodities, those being mainly with agricultural produce. Because of this we have many problems with the Mayan people, because they have been supporting guerrilla warfare. The nation of Guatemala would like to see organizations, which help to stop wars being fought over conflict commodities. There should also be NGOs that help the people that were being victimized by wars being fought over conflict commodities.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Holy See
Delegate Name: Andrew Suciu
School: Dearborn High School

The Holy See has been a promoter of peace all over the world for centuries. The Vatican believes that the world was meant to live in peace and all things associated with conflict should be addressed and resolved. The conflicts involving conflict commodities are a component of unrest and the struggle for peace. In particular, the conflicts in Africa are a main concern. These conflicts are funded by natural resources along with drugs and contraband. The political and military conflict in Africa that is being funded by ‘conflict commodities’ also directly affects the civilian population. Refugees are being displaced, and people are fleeing their homes. The Holy See sees this as a major problem that needs to be solved for the sake of the innocent people harmed by this ongoing issue. The Holy See urges the world to consider the serious issues and implications of conflict commodities.

The Holy See believes that the problem at hand is indeed conflict commodities, however, the root of this evil is found in the actual conflict. Commodities are not illegal and can be traded among peoples and countries, however the nature of the conflicts and the nature of the value of diamonds, timber, and cocaine, for example, are being used as funding, and the middle man of banks and brokers, are being removed from the equation. The Holy See is urging peace between African nations. Peace talks should be the first step, as well as policing the trade of diamonds and tracking “blood diamonds” on the market. The elimination of “blood diamonds” would greatly reduce the money value of the conflict diamonds that are being sold on the market after being used as funds for a conflict that displaces innocent people and causes civilian casualties.

The Holy See is urging the countries and delegates of the United Nations to join together in the effort to establish peace and reach a resolution. The Holy See views this issue as a grave concern and strongly urges the other nations to take this matter seriously and support a resolution in any way possible. The Holy See wishes to address this issue and come to a resolution that will police the conflict commodities, and establish peace between warring nations and entities.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Todd Baker
School: Roeper School

It is widely accepted that lucrative natural resources, like precious metals, stones, minerals, or timber have played a large role in a number of major conflicts. These “conflict commodities” frequently fuel illegal rebellion and crime against legitimate state institutions and governments.
Conflict Commodities, specifically timber, are a major problem in Indonesia currently. Recently Indonesia signed path-breaking Memorandum of Understanding on illegal logging. It also started an Asian Forest Partnership, primarily focused on curtailing illegal logging. In Indonesia illegal forestry undermines the law, costs the government large amounts of money, and fuels violent conflict. This is happening in many nations in the world, in different ways. Indonesia is interested in stopping as much of this as possible.
One would think that it would be universally agreed upon that these conflict commodities need to be monitored more closely, and that countries need to be more engaged in helping end the conflicts they create, but sadly, this is not so. The Diamond industry has created an international certification scheme for the monitoring of diamond trade. However, there appears to be no effort being put into creating a similar scheme for the trade of timber.
Indonesia is already taking action to resolve this conflict. Discussions about possible voluntary partnership agreements, or VPA’s, between producer nations and the European Union about timber licensing have already taken place. Indonesia feels strongly about taking further action in international discussion regarding trade legislation to regulate conflict commodities. As has already happened with Indonesia’s recent Memorandum of Understanding, important reforms can be achieved, and more importantly, lives can be saved.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Iraq
Delegate Name: Elisa Shalari
School: Royal Oak High School

Countries are trading resources illegally to generate revenue for corrupt governments and to buy weapons. What can the United Nations do to stop conflict commodities from funding wars.
Conflict commodities usually happen in corrupt governments because they are not using the resources, to trade with something not harmful, as for example clean water or food for its people. What these governments are doing to its people is not good because it creates long term effects because it destroy's what could have been a sustainable amount of revenue for that countries own people.
Our parliament must pass a new oil sector oil investment law to allow foreign companies to assume major role in the country. The US has threatened to withhold funding as well as financial and military support if the law does not soon pass. The U.S is creating a "wood for food" program by threatening us. The U.S is trying to trick us into making us pass the law so they will recieve power their government may not be as transparent as they seem to be. In this conference Iraq wants to see a resolution that will effect all countries that are experiencing conflict commodities. The commitee should argue, what the more powerful nations can do to help the countries that rely on commodities for money and supplies. The stronger and powerful governments should work toghether in a way so that goods like diamonds and chocolate are not used to pay for war. A good resolution would consider a healthy, strong nation to find the means to fund in a country that is having trouble. The stong nations can help fund in that countries education or in that countries health system.
Iraq is looking foward to the conference and will address more details on how we can reach a good resolution.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Ellen Vial
School: Royal Oak High School

When a resource begins to cause such great conflict to the point of endangering lives of innocent people and the sovereignty of national governments, the time for all nations, to assemble and attempt to solve the problem at hand. Seven years ago the General Assembly of the United Nations unanimously passed a resolution aimed at putting an end to the illicit diamond trades that fund rebel organizations attempting to disrupt and overthrow governments recognized by the international community. Introduced around the same time, the Kimberley Process has drastically lessened the output of conflict diamonds. Now the United Nations is gathered again to address the issue which continues to endanger African nations today.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), of which Israel is a part, has created laws to regulate rough diamond trading. Most nations have observed these rules. Ghana, however, continues to exploit the mines of war-torn Cote D’Ivoire, continuing to debilitate this nation. Now the world faces a new diamond shortage, creating a profitable situation for many African rebel organizations. More illicit trading is possible in the near future, unless the UN, with the help of the Kimberley Process, takes immediate action to halt the illicit trade.

Cocoa, oil and timber are also being utilized to fund insurgency groups in unstable nations. These resources have essentially become deadly weapons, and Israel believes it to be in the world’s best interest to control their trade and limit conflict. Conflict commodities such as cocoa, oil, timber, and diamonds threaten the security of nations. Israel, being a nation who depends on the diamond industry, wishes to make known its hope that the UN will be able to disable insurgency groups by preventing them from capitalizing on the abovementioned commodities, thus protecting the security of nations endangered by such rebel organizations.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Jessie Kilpatrick
School: Forest Hills Central High School

For over a decade, conflicts in Africa have been a main concern to Japan. Keeping relations peaceful between nations has been a constant goal of Japan’s since the end of World War II, and the newly arising and reoccurring conflicts in African countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the Ivory Coast are very concerning. The fact that people are using natural resources to fund wars and, by doing so, enslave, torture, and strip human rights from their countrymen is an issue that demands serious consideration. Another concern that stems from the obvious problem of conflict commodities again becoming an issue is the people fleeing their native lands into surrounding countries, seeking protection and solace. Refugees are another main focus of Japan’s. Japan has been a leader in refugee assistance since 2000, and thinks that finding solutions for these displaced persons is another main issue that demands resolution.

Japan is of the opinion that the most pressing problem at the moment is the conflicts themselves. If these conflicts are not resolved, the refugees cannot return to their homes. Peaceful negotiations must be worked out between the two sides of these civil wars that most often spawn the issue of conflict commodities, and these negotiations must happen rather swiftly, but carefully still. Conflict prevention is a substantial investment of Japan’s, and, although some of these conflicts cannot be entirely prevented, Japan believes that they can indeed be worked out peacefully. One of the best ways to do this would be to bring in world powers such as the United States and have them mediate the negotiations along with other countries that support the resolution of the problem.

Most countries should support the idea of resolutions to the conflicts in Africa, if not for their allies then for the people being forced to work and live in inhumane conditions, having their limbs brutally cut off for insolence or not working hard enough, and being forced to flee their homes for fear for their lives or the lives of those they hold most dear. The strongest supporters of Japan’s ideas for the resolutions, however, will probably come from their allies, and African countries surrounding the conflict areas. The Ambassador in Charge of Conflict and Refugee-related Issues in Africa, Keitaro Sato, was appointed on April 7, 2003. His job is to look at conflicts through the eyes of the Africans directly affected by said conflict, and report back to Japan so they can better decide what should be done. This allows Japan to think in harmony with the governments of these African countries. This way, Japan and the countries they are dealing with can come to a conclusion that satisfies both parties. Japan has donated over 500 million yen to Sierra Leone so they can integrate their refugees back into the country and so they can build peace in their country again.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Libya
Delegate Name: Tara Surdam
School: Forest Hills Central High School

There have been over 9.5 million refugees, dispersed in the sister countries of Africa and hundreds and thousands of people have been slaughtered spilling African blood across our lands due to a number of conflicts and civil wars. If this scale of destruction and fighting was in Europe, then people would be calling it World War III with the entire world rushing to report, provide aid, mediate and otherwise try to diffuse the situation. Our conflict with Chad in the past, regarding the reasons behind Gaddafi's involvement, the initial reason stood in his ambition to annex the Aouzou Strip, the northernmost part of Chad that he claimed as part of Libya on the grounds of an unratified treaty of the colonial period. As well as our small dispute with Egypt that did not change the status quo ante- was a wise and long-lasting influence on how to handle these situations has infiltrated the minds of Libyans.

Political change without people’s consent, lack of respect for rule of law, human rights violations are all common reasons heard for some of the causes of Africa’s problems. Although, not the only reasons, some often overlooked root causes also include the following: a natural struggle to rebuild communities and homes, true African borders of tribes violated in the creation of African country’s borders by imperial Europe. Libya recognizes the conflict of the blood diamonds as a poison in the pulsing veins of Africa. The only way to disinfect this virus is by disarming the leaders in these so called revolutions cleaning the impurities of the situation at hand. We would hopefully like to infiltrate a new substance bringing revenue to countries eliminating poverty, thus diminishing rebel groups. If only we lived in a perfect world, unfortunately for now we can only start by handling the situation bit by bit, starting with disarming rebel groups.

Our neighbor Rwanda has similar ideology for the unfortunate circumstances of the blood diamonds. Action needs to take place as soon as possible providing aid to refugees and a plan to place them safely back in their homes. Our platform is but this create a plan to aid refugees in the time being thus helping the people return safely home and disposing of rebel groups making their homes and environment a safe place to reside.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Mexico
Delegate Name: Nicolette Keller
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The history of diamonds fueling conflict is a long and drawn out one. Diamonds and other valuable resources bring out the worst in countries when it comes to selling and trading them for money. The problems in such places as Africa, where illegal diamond smuggling is taking place, are problems that Mexico do not support in any purposeful way. When these diamonds or other valuable resources are being illegally smuggled and sold to buy guns and other weapons, a huge problem arises. These problems cause great conflicts between nations because the buying and selling of these diamonds directly leads to armed conflict in diamond nations. Countries, including Mexico, are always competing, so naturally conflict arises, and in this conflict, Mexico and the Northern American bloc are against the illicit transaction of rough diamonds that lead to armed conflict.

Mexico is affected by the illegal trading of the rough diamonds because if someone living in Mexico buys an illegally smuggled diamond without even knowing about it, they have mistakenly helped to create more armed conflict in these diamond countries. So Mexico believes the process of knowing whether a diamond is safe or not needs to be improved and Mexico also believes there should be greater efforts made to achieve a broader implementation of diamond-certification mechanisms by all importing and exporting states.

Mexico recognizes that trade in conflict diamonds is a matter of serious international concern and also that this trade has a large negative effect on the peace, safety and security of the people involved. The North American bloc including Mexico supports the UNGA Resolution 56/263: “Resolution on the Role of Diamonds in Fueling Conflict” saying that urgent action to curb the trade in conflict diamonds is imperative. Proposals made by this resolution include encouraging the Kimberley Process to resolve outstanding issues including verification measures, administrative considerations and the nature of a possible International Instrument covering the certification scheme. Also the call for the full implementation of existing Security Council measures targeting the role played by illicit trade in rough diamonds in fueling conflict. Mexico’s specific proposals for this topic include appealing for closer communication between the Kimberley Process and the Security Council sanctions committees, especially those in on Liberia and Sierra Leone. Mexico finally recognizes and shares the view that the creation of a mechanism for the certification of rough diamonds contributes to stability in the region and to the maintenance of international peace and security.

With the help of Mexico and the rest of the world, the topic of diamonds fueling conflict that leads to armed conflict is finally being addressed. Things such as the Kimberley Process, which is a joint government, international diamond industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds, have already been created to maintain peace and security in the diamond conflict countries. Although the United Nations is addressing the issue, the UN and the rest of the world need to work harder to stop the trading of the illegal rough diamonds. If we do this then armed conflict will greatly decrease in countries that contain diamonds.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Mozambique
Delegate Name: Artur Fruman
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

Mozambique recognizes the problems that arise from conflict commodities. The suffering that occurs in such countries as Sierra Leon, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire is simply unjust. Ever since diamonds were discovered and put into the market there has been a mad race to collect all the natural precious stones that the earth creates. The lives lost due to tedious labor brought upon by rebel militias should be stopped immediately. The market is swarming with conflict diamonds and other conflict commodities, this must stop.

Mozambique recognizes the issues with conflict commodities and we have been working on ways to prevent such problems internally and externally. Illegal mining of precious stones in Barue, Mozambique has brought about a real predicament. Mozambicans are digging up stones and selling them illegally without even knowing correct prices. This process brings conflict commodities, such as green tourmaline and rubelite, into the market at cheap costs. Because of all the internal turmoil the Manica provincial government has set up a commission made up of members of the criminal investigation police (CIP), traffic police, the Border Guard, Customs and the Provincial Directorate of Mineral Resources, to restore order. We have been very successful with this method and have seized 10 kilos in precious stones. These methods must be set up in other areas for similar results to take place.

Mozambique recognizes that complete removal of conflict commodities is of great importance to the United Nations. Mozambique has dealt with these problems so we know first hand how to deal with them. We strongly urge that other countries follow suit and do as we did. Setting up commissions made up of members of various governmental groups is key to a successful removal of rebel militia and the conflict commodities they are selling. With the help of the international community we assume that this problem will not persist much longer.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Myanmar
Delegate Name: Stephen Benet
School: Forest Hills Central High School

I would like to take a moment to enlighten you upon the stance of the great nation of Myanmar regarding the Congo crisis. Myanmar would like to so oversee a successful establishment of a democratic governmental system within the nation of Congo. The nation of Congo has been involved in a very blood internal conflict that only recently ended. In order to try and maintain the peace, the United Nations decided to implement a parliamentary election within Congo. However this did not go over all to well due to the fact that some of the citizens of Congo who felt that the UN was just trying to establish the governmental system they desired in Congo and never gave some of the Congo leaders a real chance. Because of this a good number of people fled the country thus creating this conflict.

Myanmar has a very successful democratic governmental system, thus we would like to help spread democracy thorough out the globe, especially in countries that are in dire need of this change, such as Congo. The main issue in Congo is that, like some other African nations, certain people within the nation have more power than is rightfully theirs. This power is usually obtained through means of violence and drug running. In order to put and end to this misguided power, Myanmar feels that it is completely necessary to eliminate these threats and the best way to do this may be to implement more United Nation troops and establish the Democratic Republic of Congo as a strong democratic nation.

In order for this democratic system to take place, elections need to take place within the nation of Congo that the UN and all the citizens feel is fair. Myanmar believes that in order for a country and its government to operate at its utmost potential it needs to have the support of not only its citizens, but ally nations around them. This can and will be achieved if there are successful parliamentary elections within Congo establishing a strong Democratic government.

Congo is a nation in need of some dire assistance at this point in time. Myanmar would like to assist in any way humanly possible to help establish yet another country in the family of countries that are successfully governed through democratic means. This should and hopefully will be accomplished as soon as possible.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Myanmar
Delegate Name: Jeff Contizano
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The topic on conflict commodities has been a heavily debated issue in the UN for quite some time. Because of the struggles and civil wars that developed in countries such as Sierra Leone, Angola, and Liberia, more attention was required when it came to “blood diamonds” and other conflict commodities. The diamonds are considered international concern because they are used to fuel conflict, through the purchasing of military weapons and aid from other countries. Rebel leaders have used the diamonds to establish their own forces in the previously mentioned countries, and caused terrible economic, social, and political stress on the countries involved. Traveling, trading, and other normal aspects of life had become far more dangerous, and because conflict commodities began to have an affect on other countries, it was necessary for the United Nations, more specifically the Security Council, to solve these dreadful problems.

Though Myanmar has not been extensively involved in any situations involving conflict commodities, it does understand the risks that can be involved in such trade. Clearly the situation in Africa has shed reasonable light on the matter, and in the future hopefully it can be prevented. Terrorists groups should not have access to diamonds, or timber, or whatever commodities they may use with attempts to overthrow existing governments. Myanmar has been warned of the dangers of such things, and is willing to spread the word on the commodities, so that large-scale war can be prevented around the world, not only in the Asian/European region.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Lauren Gajda
School: Saline High School

We the Netherlands do not believe in having conflict diamonds enter our country. That is why the United Nations have a sponsored system called the Kimberley Process. The Kimberley process is to make sure that no profits from the diamonds go to war funded conflicts. A conflict diamond is a diamond that is paying for a war mainly a civil war and going to the government to pay for the supplies to the side that they agree with. The main problem that we the Netherlands face is with Cote D’Ivoire and the fact that they lied to us through selling cocoa to other countries and the country not even knowing that they just fed into a war. Once there is more awareness there will be more of a chance for the conflict goods to stop entering countries that don’t want to contribute to a war.

The Kimberley Process has been working for years now but we think that we should update the Process and have more security from other countries come into monitor. The problem is that people have been cheating out the Kimberley Process by mining up the diamonds and end up still selling them as they are conflict diamonds. We the Netherlands are under the impression that conflict diamonds are being funded to pay for the civil war.

The average person working as a diamond miner is getting approximately $1 a day. So why can they pay the workers $1 a day then sell the diamond for $1000 to the next country, all the money goes into the war. If we educated people and create more sanctions from the other countries who are trying to sell conflict diamonds and other goods then we could possible stop the funding for civil wars.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: North Korea
Delegate Name: Joey LoCascio
School: Roeper School

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is happy to welcome all of you here to this meeting of the Political Committee. The Conflict Commodities subject has long been overlooked by this organization, for greedy governments and companies choose to overlook it often, as the deaths of innocent victims does not perturb their lust for money. Look past the greed that has been forced before your eyes, think of your people, and think of the world’s people.

Timber, cocoa, diamonds and oil fuel this issue we are called together to tackle today. The wars they start and fund are simply atrocious and are living painful examples of the backwardness of some people. Sanctions will undoubtedly be called for sometime within our meetings, and I want everyone here to remember what sanctions can do to a nation. These harsh measures must only be used when absolutely necessary, as their ramifications can be immensely great not only to that nation, but to nations that are fond of trading with this nation, and to their wealthy and less than wealthy inhabitants. Believe me when I tell you about the horrific consequences sanctions have had on the North Korean people. Thus, I urge nations against any rash, broad resolutions.

North Korea wants to see these commodity fueled conflicts ended. Conflicts themselves cannot be fully destroyed if their funding dries up. One does not need money to fight, all one needs is hatred.

So delegates, hear us out. Peace can be reached, economies and people should not be let to suffer.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Palestine
Delegate Name: Jermayne Hairston
School: Royal Oak High School

On behalf of the country of Palestine, we feel that the results of the sell of conflict commodities such as timber, cocoa and most famously diamonds should be controlled. Wars are fueled by money. Without money war cannot exist and without money from conflict commodities many of the most brutal wars would not exist. These commodities fund rebel armies and militias that terrorize whole nations. To make progress in this field, we must create and enforce strong trade and arms laws. But before we can attempt to rid the world of conflict commodities we must recongnize their affect. They have fueled violence, rebellion and terror. In Sierra Leone, for example, the local average age expectancy sank to 25.9 years due to a civil war paid for by illegal timber. My country knows the pain of war and devastation it brings and would pray that no nation feels this anguish. As dreadful as the results of conflict commodities are , they do provide finacial stability to many a country. Before this problem is cured a soultion must be created that brings the world at peace but does not leave half the world in finacial ruin. Many countries need the profits of conflict commodities to survive. By taking these away we might be taking the driving force in a nation's economy. We must be sure to give them other finacial options. The profits of these commodities reach all across the world so we need to continue this flow of money legally. We must provide industries a reason to better monitor where and how their products are manufactured. We must ensure that changes are made and progress will continue. By ending the sell and profit of conflict commdoities we are protecting ourselves and our world.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Panama
Delegate Name: Hailey Phillips
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

Many nations have fallen into instability and disorder because of the current problem with conflict commodities. Around the world critical goods such as diamonds, cocoa, timber, and minerals have turned into conflict resources. Unfortunately, these products have been funding things such as war, and many types of illegitimate activities happening internally within developing countries. The Republic of Panama acknowledges the harsh predicament that countries worldwide are currently facing. More specifically, in countries such as Angola, Sierra Leone, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, these products are funding militias and armies, as well as rebels, who commit many offenses that which violate the human rights of the citizens in their countries. We the delegation of Panama, feel that something must be done about this serious dilemma as soon as possible to keep it from progressing further into turmoil. As a country, we suggest that a plan be put into immediate action to stop conflict commodities from providing resources for illegitimate and illegal actions, as well as stop these products from further extending conflicts and prevent struggles from recurring. The Republic of Panama feels that governments in the countries that are facing these problems have the need to regulate where the profit from their commodities is going. Panama is suggesting sanctions against illicit commodities, as well as forces to administer these sanctions. Lastly, the delegation of Panama is hoping that these tribulations will be solved in a timely manner; in order to better the lives of citizens and to make the world a safer place.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Sarah Riebel
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Conflict within the country of the Philippines is jeopardizing the country’s economic and social development and represents a significant threat to regional security. USAID's conflict mitigation assistance seeks to address the underlying causes of conflict and is focused on conflict-affected areas. USAID has been active in consolidating the 1996 peace accord between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro National Liberation Front by demonstrating the tangible benefits of peace. Activities aim to improve infrastructure, accelerate economic and business development, increase access to microfinance services, improve governance, and expand the availability of social services in the CAAs. USAID livelihood assistance has also helped over 28,000 former rebel MNLF combatants return to their communities and reintegrate into the mainstream economy as farmers or fishers. Should a peace deal be reached, USAID could draw upon existing funding allocations to jump-start comparable assistance to former combatants and their communities; such investments will be crucial to ensure lasting peace and security. The predominantly Muslim provinces are the poorest in the Philippines, with the highest dropout rate at all levels of education. The government continues its military operations against the other Islamic rebel groups, leading to internal refugee flows and loss of investor confidence. One should also consider the current tension in the greater Muslim world following the Iraq war, as well as the prospect of new waves of extremism spreading to Mindanao from other parts of Southeast Asia. Nonetheless, a foundation has been set in place for peace and security in the region, and that deserves attention. In light of current events, the case of Mindanao and other instances in which development assistance has been provided to post-conflict societies deserve closer attention. Their progress should be reviewed from a broader perspective than the relatively narrow considerations employed by international development agencies to date. A rigorous study across regions showing the correlation between economic wellbeing and the ability of specific groups previously engaged in violence to make the crucial transition into peaceful, healthy societies could lead to a more solid development/security paradigm and to new global strategies for ensuring peace and prosperity.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Poland
Delegate Name: Hamoody Saad
School: Dearborn High School

The great state of Poland recognizes the large impact that conflict commodities have on nations internally and internationally. Commodities such as timber, diamonds, minerals, gold, cocaine, cocoa, etc., that are in abundance in many underdeveloped countries, are being used to fund rebel groups and antigovernment militias to gain political power. Altough the Republic of Poland does not have huge problems within our country we would love to contribute and help to the cause of stopping these crimes.As a delegate from Poland, we believe that if we can all control who and where these resources go to and if we can stop these groups from even obtaining such commodities, than manipulating the influx of money & weapons that rebel groups obtain should be fairly easy and will definitely put the nail in the coffin to this growing problem.
One of the biggest problems that this issue has brought up has to do with timber. Timber is one of the main commodities that have had devastating effects on many countries. These countries include Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Liberia. Timber, which is a relatively easy resource to obtain but very valuable, was financed from Liberia for Sierra Leone’s civil war and resulted in more than 50,000 deaths. This must not happen again because the numbers could be much worse. Therefore we must all come together and figure out a practical and successful way to stop the trafficking and use of theses resources used for conflict.
Thank You and good day

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Qatar

It is a blatant concern that specific things were never truly meant to be traded by certain means. Rebel groups selling often-illegal things for objects such as weapons fits this description well. We cannot simply allow these inhumane forces get more powerful by dealing off things such as diamonds and drugs. These items are termed “conflict commodities” for a staunch reason that can easily be interpreted; things sold that create more problems.
There are more problems than just to be initially seen. A main one is the fact that slaves are generally involved. People are being used in these illegal processes to work or even be traded. The whole thing generally fuels child soldiers with weapons. Children slaves tend to fight and men slaves are more likely to be used for work. Often the others (generally women) end up being raped and or killed by the rebel forces.
Another obvious matter is that people willing to give these essential terrorists money for these materials are only making things more inflamed. Only an increase of drugs and slaves are witnessed. Diamonds are being mined and sold to companies willing to buy them, which also should be eradicated, indicated in the Kimberley Process.
As the nation of Qatar, we strongly desire the discouraging of all groups willing to trade with those producing these commodities. This might include penalties and arrests of violators, and that is, of course, applied to countries that participate. It is necessary to be harsh in order to accomplish our tasks in this topic.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Romania
Delegate Name: Samuel Lazar
School: Whittier Classical Academy

Basically, a conflict commodity is any imported or exported good that creates problems through its trade. Examples include oil, natural gas, diamonds and other precious gems. Another conflict commodity that has been rising recently, especially in Latin America, is narcotics. Recently Romania has begun to be exploited by the drug trade. Heroin smugglers from Southeast Asia travel through Romania en route to their destinations. Also cocaine shipments from Latin America are routed through Romania on their way to Western Europe. Not only has the country of Romania been involved in the trade of underground conflict commodities but in the open market trade of conflict commodities such as lumber and oil. This is obviously a big problem and therefore the country of Romania is trying it’s best to solve it

Romania’s efforts to solve the problem of conflict commodities so far include the tightening of security along the Balkan pass which is frequently used for drug smuggling. Romania has also started dealing out harsher punishments for drug smugglers and issuing warrants for criminals known to be involved in the drug trade.

In a resolution, the country of Romania would like to see that security is tightened along trade routes and it would like to ensure that it’s borders are secure. Another thing Romania would like to do is to work with other European countries to try to set up NGO’s in third world countries to try to help stop the flow of smuggled conflict commodities from Latin America and Southeastern Asia into Europe. Romania would also like better-quality inspections for goods leaving foreign countries and headed for Europe. This is a serious problem and is of the utmost concern to Romania.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Romania
Delegate Name: Malcolm Bean
School: Whittier Classical Academy

The definition of a conflict commodity is any imported or exported good that creates revenue for war related issues through the purchase of said item. Examples of such commodities are oil, natural gas, and diamonds. Another conflict commodity that has been increasing recently, especially in Latin America, is narcotics. Of late our country has fallen victim to the drug market and is almost powerless against it. Heroin smugglers from Southeast Asia travel through Romania and use it as a staging area for shipments and refining. Major shipments of drugs from Latin America are routed through Romania to the rest of Eastern Europe. This is a monumental problem that the national and local Romanian government is trying to fix.

Romania and her people are attempting to end our part of the drug problem; which has been directly tied to Latin American wars and terrorist cells in Southeast Asia, by increasing punishment for possession and dealing. Also, we have increased our border security, particularly in the Balkan Pass, almost three-fold in an attempt to keep any and all illegally acquired items or conflict commodities out. Also, people found in possession of drugs or any other commodities used to fund wars of any magnitude are facing harsher and harsher punishments.

Romania wishes to see this issue resolved by an increased regional regulation of commodity control. By that we mean every commodity exported should have a thorough background check or pedigree before being sold on the international market. In a day and age when disease, terrorist concerns and fraud are so prevalent, this is simply common sense. Who better to monitor such a program than the UN? Also we would like to see at every major import conduit, a third party NGO observer who monitors the commodities coming in.

The allies of Romania are those who would see the end of trafficking of any commodity illegally obtained or used to fund illegal and immoral activities, and who are willing to act against these international crimes that are almost at epidemic proportions. Our adversaries are those who will sit back and take no action or even worse encourage and utilize the use of conflict commodities and destroy whole regional economies in the process.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Peter Rabeda
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Conflict commodities have caused nations to fall into turmoil and instability. These precious resources have exacerbated conflicts, whether they are internal or international, because the sale or trade of the resources brings significant funds to opposing parties. The Russian Federation supports measures to reduce conflict commodities and their ability to fund conflicting interest groups.

The Russian Federation supports UN Resolution 61/28, which aims to eliminate conflict commodities and such conflict diamonds by means of measures such as the Kimberly Process and other related programs. The Russian Federation believes that in order to stem the growing conflicts in areas where conflict commodities are used to finance the purchase of arms, every nation must exert effort to strengthen customs policies, address corruption in the sale of conflict commodities, and come to a global consensus to strengthen and expand measures currently in place to eliminate elicit resources from the world market.

Most recently, UN Resolution 61/28 has addressed the role of diamonds in fueling conflict. It specifies that the sale of rough diamonds is linked to armed conflict and seeks to prevent the sale of these rough diamonds and settle disputes between these groups. This resolution keeps in mind the positives of a legal diamond trade, while deploring the illegal sale of “conflict diamonds”. Resolution 61/28 reaffirms the need for the Kimberly Process and encourages African nations to join the current 42 member states of the Kimberly Process. Participation from countries neighboring the countries in question would put more pressure on these countries to adopt Kimberly Process-like measures to address conflict resources.

As stated previously, the Russian Federation supports the Kimberly Process and the Process’s effort to eliminate illicit diamonds from the world market. The Russian Federation proposes to strengthen the Kimberly Process by ridding it of loopholes and to encourage countries to actively participate in the Process Scheme. Such measures to strengthen the Process Scheme would actively reduce the amount of conflict diamonds in the world market, thus reducing the funding of certain groups such as revolutionary fronts or terrorist cells. Terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda have been linked to selling diamonds and other resources to fund terrorism activities and recruit volunteers. The Russian Federation believes that with support from the General Assembly and other UN organizations, conflict commodities can be dealt with in a quickly and without conflict.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Rwanda
Delegate Name: Mark Owen
School: Forest Hills Central High School

When talking about conflict commodities, one most know two things. One is that conflict commodities are high on consumer lists, and two is they are nearly impossible to identify when being compared to legitimate products. These two facts have been a pain in the neck for the UN as we attempt to stop the humanitarian crises that are caused from conflict commodities. Conflict commodities such have caused countless wars in Africa. In Sierra Leone conflict diamonds funded a rebel group known as the RUF. Fully funded, they had the means to get the weapons they needed to overthrow the government. The bloody campaign has left most of the civilian population in Sierra Leone missing limbs. Now cocoa is starting to fuel conflict.

Rwanda wants to stop the sale of conflict commodities to create a stable Africa. The technology exists now to identify the difference between conflict and legitimate merchandise. Cocoa plants in Africa differ chemically than other cocoa plants in the world. Conflict diamonds have different impurities. The Kimberley Process was created by the UN to regulate the flow of conflict diamonds. It works by back checking diamonds for impurities that are found in conflict mines. However, it checks where diamonds are coming from in Africa. Rebel groups are exploiting this limitation by smuggling diamonds directly out of Africa to world markets. We need to implement worldly checks, so rebel groups can’t be safe by smuggling diamonds out of Africa. I also propose we do the same with cocoa plants. Thus by stopping the sales of conflict commodities we can cut out the fuel that is burning Africa to ashes. I next propose we set up fair working conditions throughout Africa to put an end to the inhumane work needed to gather conflict commodities.

Rwanda will try to work through the General Assembly and African Union to accomplish its goals.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Sierra Leone
Delegate Name: Christopher Burtley
School: Flint Central Academy

The nation of Sierra Leonne realizes the severity of the probelm facing our Country today. Conflict Commodities, specifically the explicit trade of diamonds have ravaged our country. It has become the a top priority of our nation to end the illegal trade of diamonds, and return peace and stability to Sierra Leonne. At the present time our nation is utilizing all of the resources available to stop this atrocity, but we fear that this problem can not be efficiently ended without the help of other nations. With the continued support of the international community, and the enforcement of such resoloutions such as Securtiy Council resoloution 1306, which imposed a ban on the direct or indirect import of rough diamonds from Sierra Leone not controlled by the Government of Sierra Leone through a Certificate of Origin regime. We feel that this is the most critical point of our efforts against the sale of Blood Diamonds. By cutting out the producers and the buyers, by making it illegal, rebel groups can be more effictively prosecuted. We believe the next step is recognizing the role of countries who facilitate the smuggling of illegal diamonds out of Sierra Leone and directly or indirectly support the rebel groups in our country. We would like to stress the magnitude of this global problem and its catastrophic effect on the continent of Africa. Conflict commodities cause wars to be fought, and fund wars already underway. Corporations and consumers should be informed to not purchase diamonds from conflict areas. A new resoloution should differentiate between certfied diamonds, and illegal diamonds.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Slovakia
Delegate Name: Brook Craig
School: Saline High School

Slovakia acknowledged the need to pay increased attention to conflict prevention in Africa. There has been illegal diamond trade used to gain money to fuel wars. These "blood" diamonds are being traded especially in Sarra Leone. This conflict has aroused UN attention and needs to be dealt with quickly in order to stop the this illegal activity. It is causing too much damage not to be addressed.

Slovakia recognizes the importance of cohesion and cooperation within the UN in order to come up with a resolution that will carry out changes at the level of individual states that will have to pay increased attention to root causes of conflict, promote democratic principles and rule of law and protect human rights. Slovakia gives special consideration to conflict prevention in the framework of the on going reform process within the UN system.

Slovakia emphasizes the important role played by international regional organizations in early warning and in mediation efforts aimed at peaceful resolution of conflicts. Slovakia especially highlighted the primary responsibility of individual states for conflict prevention, which results also from the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

Slovakia is very interested in working with the other members of the EU to find a solution to this pressing problem. There needs to be quick and effective action taken against this illegal activity becasue it is crippliing the nation and causing massive amounts of chaos. However, Slovakia fears that some of the countries in Africa will be less willing to accept the help that the UN could offer. Slovaka hopes that these countries will accept help from others in order to subdue the diamond trade, and ultimately the conflicts arising in that part of the world.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Somalia
Delegate Name: Michelle Williams
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Wars, no matter where on the globe they may be occurring, need some way to be funded. Many of the world’s most violent and drawn out conflicts occur in areas rich in resources. Valuable commodities such as timber, diamonds, and cocoa, have funded and continue to fund bitter conflicts in countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cambodia, Ivory Coast, The Democratic Republic of the Conga, and Burma. These conflicts do nothing but weaken the countries as a whole, and these few commodities are keeping these conflicts alive and thriving. We have come to realize that these commodities not only affect those inside the country, but the countries surrounding it as well and its entire market. These commodities give their entire industry a tainted name when they are used to fund conflicts.

Somalia feels that the most obvious and most effective thing that can be done is to boycott all commodities funding conflicts in any country. Even these commodities which many countries find valuable such as timber and diamonds need to be boycotted when sold from certain countries and governments. Somalia or the United Nations has not recognized any commodities aiding our internal conflict at the current moment, and our country does not have the resources to aid those countries that do. We feel that resolutions like the Security Council resolution 1306 banning the importing on rough diamonds from Sierra Leone are going to be one of the best ways to put an end to these conflict commodities.

Most countries will be in accordance with the views the Somalia holds on this issue. Countries large and small know the damage that internal conflict can cause within their borders and will want to see the funding of these conflicts put to an end. No one wants to see these conflict commodities stopped more than the people suffering from the conflicts these commodities fund.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Evan Granito
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Many nations have made stopping the trade of Blood Diamonds a top priority, but no one has been as adamant about this, or made as much progress, as South Africa. A blood diamond, (also called a conflict diamond, or dirty diamond) is a diamond mined in a war zone and sold in order to finance an insurgency, invading army’s war efforts, or supporting a warlords activity.

In July 2000, the global diamond industry announced its zero-tolerance policy towards conflict diamonds and continues to drive this policy. However, now in October 2007, the principle miner of uncut diamonds, Antwerp, in infamous for the laxity of their regulations. Blood diamonds are being mixed into batches of clean diamonds, making it virtually impossible to determine their origins and ownership. According to a study on diamonds by a non-governmental organization, Antwerp dealers “routinely settle multi-million dollar transactions in cash, and rarely offer receipts.” Sierra-Leone has also put into place an official diamond certification procedure, but with so many mines still under rebel control, its impossible to cut the blood diamond trade at the source.

South Africa is being negatively affected to a great extent by the blood diamond trade, and that is one of the reasons why they are so adamant about ending it. We have helped found, and whole-heartedly support the “Kimberly Process,” which is the most effective program in place to end the diamond trade. Through this program, diamonds can only be exported or imported when accompanied by a certificate from the exporting country. Just this should show the empathy we feel for the victims of this horrible institution. We even use the revenue from clean diamonds and the Kimberly process in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Some people may argue against South Africa’s claims, because of our huge role in the diamond trade community. DeBeers, a south African diamond mining cartel, alone mines about half of the worlds annual diamond output, and controls about 80 percent of global diamond sales through its central selling organization. Well, these stones don’t make up 4 percent of the worlds output, and because the conflict diamond trade is a problem, when should not attach a negative stigma to the diamond trade as a whole. The diamond trade, when done legitimately, has helped employ and support millions. The Kimberly process is named after South African mining centers, and was formed after discussions that were demanded by South Africa.

Conflict diamonds are elusive, and despite all efforts by South Africa, they will be around for a long time. It is estimated that 10 million people globally are directly or indirectly supported by the diamond industry. Boycotting South African diamonds as a whole will not solve the problem and will just weaken our economy severely. It’s the conflicts that need the diamonds revenue so badly they are willing to murder and oppress hundreds to get them. Unfortunately, unless more nations offer a helping hand, the conflict diamonds will be around as long as the conflicts themselves are.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Kathryn Mahard
School: Flint Central Academy

The conflict being discussed (conflict commodities) plays a violent role in several countries, mainly in sub- Saharan Africa. It is recognized that the trade in certain resources has been a cause for the prolongation of several wars providing resources to both rebels and governments “to finance their military campaigns.” Wars can be very expensive and you need money to help fund a war that is currently taking place. What is one of the best ways to help fund a war? Natural resources. Natural resources such as timber, diamonds and minerals help fund the wars going on around us. Unfortunately, these natural resources are sometimes used to fund armies and militias who murder, rape, and commit other violations of human rights against citizens. Conflict commodities serve a dual purpose, they are used to either fund a war or they are used to fight over.

The Republic of Korea as a nation is not as strongly involved as many of the other countries might be on the situation at hand. We are still firm believers that this crisis needs to be resolved and we are looking forward to being a part of the resolutions that are soon to come later on in conference. We are willing to discuss tactics that would help better the state of affairs as much as possible. We would like to see those that are more deeply involved in this topic see fair but yet just punishments. With the help of this committee we believe that great steps can be taken to better the situation.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Sri Lanka
Delegate Name: Joel Mounts
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Throughout history, many hostilities large and small have taken place concerning the possession of prized resources such as gold, water, ivory and land. Such conflicts were waged in Europe through from the 16th century to the late 19th century in several inter-imperial wars. They also laid the foundation for the First World War.

In reference to more recent conflicts in Angola, Congo, Sierra Leone, and other areas, especially of Western Africa, the NGO Global Witness says that “natural resources…play an increasingly prominent role in providing [the] money which is often used to fund armies and militias who murder, rape, and commit other human rights abuses against civilians”. There are several major factors that contribute to the use of commodities as funds for warfare and other dissension, including vast population growth beyond the means of surrounding resources to sustain it, and corruption in the upper echelons of economic status, most often in developing countries. There are many instances of this commodity-fueled conflict that exist today. Some of the major ones are the widely-publicized Darfur crisis involving mass genocide whose perpetrators have drawn income from land, food and oil, claiming up to 450,000 lives; and the violent Civil War in Liberia involving ‘conflict timber’.

Most specifically, the world has turned their eyes to conflicts involving the sale of diamonds, widely dubbed ‘blood diamonds’ because of the violent fighting which often is made possible by their sale. This is the area in which Sri Lanka is most active. The gem market of Sri Lanka plays a crucial role in its economy, as does its diamond-processing industry. And with ongoing civil strife within the country itself, the illicit sale of such resources appears more than probable. Yet according to a recent report from the Kimberley Process, an international initiative to impede the sale of illegal diamonds, Sri Lanka is “highly committed to implementing the KPCS”, this being the procedure used to track the origins of diamonds and halt at several levels the sale of these diamonds from areas of conflict.

On 26 November 2006, the UN passed a resolution supported, along with its allies, by Sri Lanka. This goal of resolution number A/RES/56/263 is to break “the link between illicit transaction of rough diamonds and armed conflict as a contribution to prevention and settlement of conflicts.” This resolution reaffirmed the great need for the Kimberly Process and called upon the international community to recognize and enforce it. Another resolution, number 1643 (2005), appealed to Western African countries to join the Kimberly Process as a necessary step towards ending the conflict so prevalent in their countries. This resolution was also strongly supported by Sri Lanka and its allies.

The international community, in order to stay the existence of conflict commodities, needs to follow the lead of Sri Lanka and other countries who have taken an astute stand in allowing the purchase of only legitimate resources and products.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Sudan
Delegate Name: Adarsh Shah
School: Roeper School

Sudan is a country torn by war,even with the U.S.'s help, much of the fighting continues. There are various rebel groups, such as the Justice and Equality Movement or JEM, who are continously trying to take power away from the government and send the country spiraling into chaos. Sudan is but one example, many other countries also exist with very similiar problems. These rebel groups, use exploitation to fund their motives. More action must be taken to stop these rebel groups from exploiting resources in the ways that they do in various countries around the world. Gum Arabic,a commodity found in Sudan, has many uses, such as a cure to some medical ailments, a vital ingredient in soft drinks and many others. This valuable resource, a major source of Sudan's income, is constantly illegally collected by rebel groups and used to fund their warfare. This is just one of many examples of conflict commodities around the world, depending on the country, the resource may vary, however, the bloodshed and exploitation does not change. These groups force civilians to collect resources under inhumane conditions. While sanctions put in place to prevent blood diamond trades, are a step in the right direction, more action must be taken to absolutely stop this exploitation. As a country which suffers from much war and rebellion, Sudan believes that stopping funding that rebel groups receive is vital to restoring peace in these regions, not just in Sudan, but the entire world.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Thailand
Delegate Name: Eric Tinkerhess
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

In Africa, Violent rebel groups wage wars and violate human rights with the financial support of conflict commodities such as cocoa and diamonds often attained at the expense of innocent civilians. The Kingdom of Thailand condemns these rebel groups and those who support their cause by purchasing such conflict commodities from them. We encourage the UN to continue sanctions on those nations and companies who purchase conflict commodities, in hopes of dissolving armed rebel groups that cause great death and suffering.

Concerning conflict diamonds, The Kingdom of Thailand supports the Kimberley Certification Process, which brings together governments, the diamond industry, and NGOs to preserve legitimate diamond trade and exclude the trading of rough diamonds. 98 percent of the world's rough diamonds are eliminated by participants in the Kimberley process, proof of it's success.

We should also support the Peace Diamond Alliance (PDA), which works with both local and international members to form an integrated approach to diamond management. Among other things, this group engages youth, develops competitive buying schemes, tracks diamonds, and educates miners about the values of their productions. The PDA is exemplary because of it's successful grassroots commitment.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Daniel Zbikowski
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

When we think of war, we think of killing and non stop violece. In Africa, when war comes to mind they think of diamonds. For some, diamonds are of symbol of joy and love, but for others, its a symbol of money to fuel one of the worlds largest genocides. Turkey supports the Kimberely Process becasue it is an international diamond industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds.
Since 1990, one of the world's largest produces of diamonds was in Central Africa. Conflict Diamonds also known as "Blood Diamonds" have been sold to help finance the war. The Republic of Turkey strongly believes that creating more organizations such as the Kimberley Processes to help slow the war down. They get all their money from diamonds they mine and sell to buyers in Europe and the United States. Creating more groups such as the Kimberley Process would almost eliminate the fact that most human beings are buying diamonds that are helping fuel the never ending African War.
Although most of the people who sell diamonds are selling them for guns and other weapons, there are some who just sell them to make a profit and food on the table for their family. The fact is, who can we trust? Who is telling the truth and when they say there not selling their diamonds to help the war? The Kimberely processes doesn't take chances when it comes to this situation. The Kimberely Processes will buy from another country eliminating this factor indefinitly.
Furthermore, Turkey invites any group or organization to take part in this great duty to help stop the diamond conflict. Turkey is inviting any other organization to help stop the war in Africa. the diamonds are one of the main reasons this war is still happening. If we can eliminate any way for them to get more weapons, it would help stem the flow of the war and hopefully help put an end to it.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Maranda Rehder
School: Saline High School

The Ukraine has watched, with growing concern, the use of conflict commodities to finance wars. In high conflict areas, the world has recently seen an increase in the amount of commodities being illegally traded in order to purchase supplies and weaponry for warring faction. Common conflict commodities include diamonds in areas like Sierra Leone and Cocoa in Sinchi Roca. The illegal trade often destabilizes the legal markets and adds to the economic upheaval caused by war.

The Ukraine urges U.N. needs to take immediate action to stop illegal commodities. The Ukraine believes that it’s wrong to sell these product that they found in their land and use them to have money for their wars. The trading of conflict commodities is a harmful practice. In Africa, “Blood” diamonds sell for are $80 a carat. For many impoverished African nations, this is a substantial amount of money. These funds need to be used to help stabilize these nations, not throw them into further chaos by encouraging war.

The Amazon rainforest region has recently taken steps to limit trading of conflict commodities. In the Amazon rainforest, For instance, about 1,500 framers from Sinchi Roca Community have recently left their illegal coca plantations to become successful lumber industrialists. This way they can still make a living without indulging illegal trade.

The Ukraine expresses it hope that the UN will work actively towards finding a solution to this conflict. In Africa about $125 million dollar worth of diamonds are brought to Europe and there
getting money for these stolen diamonds. Recently The UN deployed a mission to Sierra Leone to deal with the problems of Sierra Leone Conflict Diamonds that was in 1999. Ukraine would like to see similar steps continue.

Ukraine hopes that it can rely on it’s allies, Australia and the EU, to find an effective solution to this major world issue. Ukraine also hopes that conflict nations, like those in Africa, will welcome UN support, but fears that they may resist UN efforts to help, as they have in the past. In African the digging of diamonds are in centraland western Africa. Also, Still today the Ivory Coast and Liberia are still using the diamonds to fund different things. Right now there both under the UN Security Council Resolution to prohibit the extraction and trade in diamonds. In the present day the Republic of Congo, and Liberia have stopped the use for selling diamonds. However Ivory Coast still has some digging in areas in the north east.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Aryan Pedawi
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Unquestionably, an enormous problem in our world at this time is how to effectively deal with rebel organizations, and, in retrospect, how NOT to deal with rebel organizations. Conflict diamonds have been used for decades to support revolutionary groups, such as the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in Sierra Leone and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) in Angola, but have only recently been condemned for selling diamonds in order to purchase weapons. This, however, only touches the tip of the iceberg; the issue spans far into Africa and has, sadly, become an everyday crime. We must all remember that this tragedy is not limited to conflict diamonds; additionally, we must all remember that there are governments who also participate in the illicit trade of conflict goods. In the Ivorian Civil War of 2002, both the government of the Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa exporter, and the New Forces of the Ivory Coast (FNCI) sold cocoa crops in order to attain provisions of war. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland frowns upon nations and rebels who use such methods to attain weapons and has strongly supported the use of economic sanctions against nation states who engage in this activity repetitively. We have also discouraged diamond companies native to our country from purchasing conflict diamonds and encourage nations to take such measures, as well. We hope for a resolution which addresses the need for a reaffirmation of UN Resolution 61/28 and the Kimberley Process for Certification, to ensure that diamonds are not being purchased from conflict zones.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Hesiona Celo
School: Royal Oak High School

Funds being derived, in this day from the trade of rough diamonds are being used by rebels and state impersonators to finance rebel movements and support rebel armies, and throw out legitimate governments. Since we consume a of the majority of the worlds supply of diamonds, the United States believes we have an obligation to take further action against trade in conflict diamonds and accomplish an effective solution.

In 2002, the representatives of the United States and numerous other countries announced the Declaration of Kimberly Process Certification scheme (KPCS).To put the Kimberley Process into place the U.S. passed the Clean Diamond Trade Act in April of 2003, to set the rules of the road for the U.S. Government on how to administer the Kimberley Process bargain. The Kimberly Process seeks to institute a global system of certification for all rough diamonds. By monitoring and certifying all rough diamonds in their territory before exportation and only allowing diamonds to enter the a territory with an approved KPCS certificate. The KPCS will eliminate conflict diamonds from international trade and will be able to identify which countries are legitimate in their trade. Recently, the UN also appointed panels of experts to track the linkages between conflict diamonds and illicit arms trafficking in regions of Africa. A previous resolution, The UNSC Resolution 1343 banned rough diamond imports from Liberia.

The U.S hopes to break the utilization of illicit transaction of rough diamonds as a settlement of conflicts and realizes the trade in conflict commodities is a serious matter and will do anything in their power to come up with a resolution for this matter.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: India

Conflict Commodities can be defined as resources that are used to fund conflicts. They can also be defined as the subject of dispute between two countries. The problem of conflict commodities is one that is primarily limited to the African continent, but can involve entities all over the world. Profits from the sales of conflict commodities fund the purchase of weapons, soldiers, and support. The most common conflict commodities are diamonds, and have figured prominently in many recent African conflicts, namely in the Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone. Other commodities that can be classified as conflict commodities are cocoa, gold, lumber and other valuable natural resources.
Conflict commodities is a problem that involves all levels of social class. Conflict commodities are usually exploited in this manner: The two conflicting sides harvest the commodities by forced labor. Then, the respective factions sell or exchange the commodities to anyone willing to trade with them. The situation is a win-win situation for the buyer and the seller. The buyer receives the product at a cheap and available rate and the seller uses the money from the sale of the commodities to buy whatever it is needed for their cause. It is this attractive trade-off that makes the problem of conflict commodities so common.
India, as a nation, is not involved too greatly in the field of conflict commodities. Despite that, we would still be willing to contribute to this topic in any way possible to resolve the problem at hand. We would like to see those that knowingly participate in the sale and purchase of conflict commodities be severely punished.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Joseph Butler
School: Royal Oak High School

The demand for natural Resources has grown to the point where anything will be done to get them. Resources such as diamonds, oil, and even cocoa, have become so coveted that wars have broken out to solve conflicts. Venezuela believes there needs to be more peaceful ways to have these conflicts terminated as best and as soon as possible.

A rising problem due to the needs of natural resources is surprisingly not only from oil, or diamonds, but also, timber. Timber, an exploitable and valuable commodity, has become one of the resources of choice that provides finances and logistics, for warring factions, arms dealers, and criminal networks. Countries including Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burma and Liberia, have been the central areas of the timber conflict. The UN has been involved in some of the problems involving timber, but has lacked in ending the conflicts that lead to brutal war.

Venezuela feels that the UN should get involved in these conflicts to, if not end, at least not let more problems arise or affect outside countries. The problem started in the early 90’s and has grown from not only conflict timber- “traded in a way that drives violent armed conflict and threatens national or regional security,” defined by the NGO Global Witness- but became illegal timber. While all governments are supposed to follow their own laws and international regulations, extracting resources for the benefit of all, it is seen clearly, just by the name, that some countries are using timber to supply not for the usual funding of conflicts and government issues, but rather finance political goals and personal fortunes. Venezuela really feels that in this situation, the UN needs to step in to stop the mercenaries and militias, who have tortured, detained, sexually exploited, intimidated, and enforced the displacement of population, and create peace.

Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Zimbabwe
Delegate Name: Angelina May
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

A.)Commodities can be good or bad; it can lead to wealth but can also lead to conflict at the same time. Brutal conflicts occur when rare commodities are forced to areas that are already impoverished and destitute. The illegal diamond trade in the Ivory Coast and Liberia has been noticed by the UN lately. The UN have been getting reports about armed guards forcing the local people to farm cocoa viciously regardless the inhumane way they treat them. They use the cocoa grown to pay for arms and supplies for their own conflicts.

B.)Zimbabwe is a country that has this kind of a problem itself. The delegation of Zimbabwe believes that countries that does not have to suffer from poverty and anarchy should stand up and do something for these people who are being oppressed instead of suppressing people using the advantages of a strong government and wealth. The republic of Zimbabwe does not have the ability to offer any help upon this situation, for we are suffering from the similar kind of situation ourselves.

C.)The delegation of Zimbabwe hopes that the union or even countries that have the ability, to recognize that this is an issue considering human rights and equality. The world is a family, and it is not justifiable to oppress the weaker. The delegation of Zimbabwe suggests the union to give some kind of support to these destitute and impoverished countries and stop the oppressors. We believe that it is the union’s responsibility to retain the equality and rights of all human on this planet.