Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Afghanistan
Delegate Name: Christian O’Sullivan
School: Fishers High School

Protecting aid workers in conflict zones

Country: Afghanistan

Delegate: Mr. Christian O’Sullivan

The sovereign nation of Afghanistan would like to bring this committee’s attention to the many hardships faced by aid workers in conflict areas. The death and serious injury of these workers is unacceptable and must not be tolerated. Many accept the risks and go willingly where others will not to make a difference. But, measures must be taken to protect them and to insure that they may do their job without fear of violence. This must take precedence over any other issue faced by this committee .

Afghanistan is host to many NGOs that play a major part in assisting our government with providing aid to our people. However, the majority of our military forces are being tasked with assisting the ISAF with combating the Taliban and Haqqani Network. We cannot supply the necessary level of protection to aid workers. This is case of many other countries that have people in need but have limited resources to protect aid workers. The problem stems from terror and militant groups viewing aid workers as easy targets for attacks. Therefore, by removing aid groups from conflict zones until they can be pacified seems to be the only surefire way of stemming the casualties. NGOs must also realize that they must be held accountable for the safety of their workers.

Afghanistan would like to propose the following. That if a region is deemed to hostile by the national government, the Security Council, or by a joint military coalition, that all NGOs be denied access until it can be secured. The procedure in which workers are deployed must also be revised. No longer can we allow workers be the target of terrorists and militants. Therefore it would be in the best interest of the workers if a monitory committee be put in place to monitor the welfare and the condition all aid workers in various conflict regions around the world. This committee would act with the consent of the Security Council and decide if workers were being placed in immediate danger, and if so, be able to restrict access to a region. While these measures may be viewed as harsh, they are only meant to save lives. If we allow or workers to be killed or wounded then there is no way to improve the lives of the afflicted, by saving the lives of the workers we save many multitudes more.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Jacob Davison
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Non Governmental Organizations also known as NGO’s practically dominate the world of humanitarian aid in conflict areas, these organizations, because these organizations are not government agencies they can receive private donations, some of these keep donator information anonymous. Though recently a bill was passed that requires these NGO’s to disclose all donation information to try to overturn possible scandal. Many people believe many of the most powerful NGO’s are influence by money into joining the western agenda.

Although the controversy on this topic is immense the underlying issue of this topic lies in the safety of humanitarian workers in conflict zones, not the men and women conducting the projects from their office buildings wherever they may be. the men and women that are in danger are those who are on the grounds in which the aid is needed, these are the men and women that are risking their lives every day in order to better the communities of the world that are in need, while the previously mentioned men and women in their offices are receiving millions of dollars from private donators, passing it down through the ladder each time money mysteriously disappearing, these organizations are the demise of humanitarian aid.

There is one NGO directly involved with the development of Argentina, and it is the InsightArgentina, a wing of the Help Argentina agency. this foundation was created in New York City in 2002 and since its creation has raised 1.5 million dollars, this agency is a model NGO, it has proved massively effective and beneficial to the argentinian social community. the good intentions in management have transferred directly down to the hands of the workers strengthening the argentinian state. If all NGO’s had as much care and compassion for their workers on the ground as “HelpArgentina” it would be easier to attribute all the risks to more direct causes, the average NGO seems to have no care for their working hands.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Erik Burbulla
School: Roeper School

International aid workers are clearly at risk. Each year more and more workers are getting killed, primarily in the conflict zones of Darfur, Afghanistan and Somalia. As the death toll rises, aid agencies don’t know what to do. Increased danger means that aid workers simply have to pull out of the country, which is a negative for all parties. Innocent lives are lost because aid cannot get in to help them while the militant groups only grow stronger and more ruthless. The problem is especially pertinent for this body because many of the humanitarian groups in these countries are led by the United Nations. The UN’s primary goal is to “maintain international peace”. When aid workers are forced to flee a country, it becomes impossible for the United Nations to do that job.

Brazil has been one of the leading contributors of United Nations aid workers and peacekeepers in the past decade. We have sent our citizens to the Middle East, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and had the largest UN peacekeeping presence during Haiti’s disastrous earthquake. As a nation of generous humanitarians, it is especially difficult for Brazil to watch what is happening to the aid workers in Somalia and Darfur.

It is even more difficult because at this point, that is all the United Nations can do: watch. The easy solution would be to stop giving aid, but Brazil and the United Nations would not stand for that. Therefore, it is important that the UN provide alternative solutions to help the aid workers. Deepening the stance of neutrality is vitally important for aid organizations. The UN should push them to reinforce that stance. Providing clear safety instructions and protocols to the workers is also a must. Though these solutions are not especially proactive, they must be instituted as a start to end the increased violence against humanitarian aid workers.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Cameroon
Delegate Name: Michael Sienko
School: Williamston High School

Humanitarian efforts greatly help the world out. The earthquake in Haiti and Chile were both aided with humanitarian support. These volunteers help during a time of crisis and citizens of every country should learn to appreciate what they do to make the world as good of a planet as possible. These people ask for nothing except for a peaceful world. They save a countless number of lives and never ask to be paid back. It is these people that make the world a better place to live in.

Some people though, do not agree with humanitarian support and make acts of crime against these innocent people. The thought that these people should be hurt because they are trying to help another county is hard for my country to understand. Athough Cameroon has not had problems we believe we should help the other African countries that are not so fortunate. We believe that the U.N. should discuss ways to stop these terrible acts. Our country is hoping that some of the bigger countries would bring in some military support to help others that are not so fortunate to have a stable military. The United Nations might also want to assemble some of their own support to help the innocent people. The world is counting on the humanitarian efforts and we need to keep these innocent people as safe as possible.

In conclusion, the country of Cameroon would like to see a resolution get passed that helps every country in the United Nations. This new resolution should make people safe and not afraid to lend a hand to a neighboring country.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Chile
Delegate Name: Dakota Anderson
School: Mattawan High School

With an increase of 350 percent in kidnappings since 2006, and an exponentially inclining rate of attacks on humanitarian workers in war zones such as Somalia, Afghanistan, and Sudan, it has become clear that steps need to be taken by the world to correct these issues. The biggest increase in attacks have been found to contain mostly NGO's, or non governmental organizations. Of these, national staff and truck drivers are seen to have the biggest rise in attacks. So far, the International Committee of the Red Cross is the only organization that has been found to have a decrease in humanitarian violence. Fully aware of this fact, Chili wishes to side with them while finding a solution to this issue.

Humanitarian violence creates a very fearful presence in the minds of relief workers. Chile realizes that with this fear, it is possible that relief may stop coming all together to these countries, leaving them stranded, and in need of supplies. Chile feels that this is an issue that is too hard to overcome with just one countries help, and that many countries need to stand together to aid this situation. Being close allies with the United States, Chile feels that it is intolerable to have attacks on the general welfare of people willing to help, and deems it necessary to change the way that supplies and other aid is transported and distributed to other countries.

Chile's view on the solution to this issue lies in the statistics of the International Committee of the Red Cross's tactics. Over the years, they're number of attacks on humanitarian workers has decreased instead of increasing, like all of the other organizations. This lies in the fact that they have taken all of their man power and supplies and spread them out, so that less people are in more areas. This way, there isn't just one large target to attack, and it makes it seem as if the compound is less worth attacking. By using the United Nation's funds, soldiers could be sent to protect the smaller groups, and help transport supplies.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Ashley Guynn
School: Fishers High School

Colombia is in the middle of a major humanitarian conflict as the number of internally displaced people grows within our nation. The people of Colombia are receiving the help and assistance they need through humanitarian aid, but their work is being affected as the number of death of both international and national aid workers increase. Colombia believes that a combined effort of both the nation and UN Security Council is needed to provide protection for humanitarian workers.

In order to properly protect humanitarian workers two questions need to be addressed; which humanitarian workers are being targeted and why are they being attacked? By answering these questions the Republic of Colombia believes that the killings of humanitarian workers will be better understood and more effect policies can therefore be put into place. A report by the Humanitarian Policy Group found that attacks on local staff have increased compared to the international aid workers, but yet the number of local aid being put into conflict areas are still increasing. One reason that the local staffs are being attacked more is possibly because they are being put into more dangerous conflict areas. When looking at the question of why these workers, both local and international, are being attacked a number of different explanations can be viable. Sometimes humanitarian workers collateral damage when an attacker is targeting a certain village. However, the more serious problem is when they are being targeted. Their work is seen by some groups as helping the enemy, therefore they consider the workers to be enemies as well, and targeting the workers to weaken the people they are helping. The humanitarian programs that the workers start or are involved in sometimes cause the conflict. For example, when they feed communities, they are taking away from the local farmers business and make the people of that community dependent on the meals the aid workers give them. This can foster resentment and hostile feelings for the humanitarian workers, ultimately resulting in violence.

In order to combat this type of violence, a series of security measure need to be taken. First and foremost, Colombia believes that it is the nation’s responsibility to reduce the vulnerability of these humanitarian workers by increasing local acceptance of the organization, its work, and its employees. This includes building relationships with the local leadership and communities as well as making sure the local’s image of the workers is peaceful. These activities can help reduce the motive for targeting aid workers. The Republic of Colombia believes that it is the UN Security Council’s job to provide protective devices for the humanitarian workers. This includes body armor and helmets, armored cars, and housing international staff in secure and defensible compounds, and using national staff only when it’s determined that the risk for foreign aid is too great. If the environment stills proves to be too dangerous, then evacuations of the workers may need to be in order.

Colombia feels that with the nation and the UN working together, attacks on humanitarian aid workers will significantly decrease.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Côte d’Ivoire
Delegate Name: Courtney weyhing
School: Williamston High School

Currently the UN is working diligently on delivering humanitarian aid to Cote d'Ivoire. There is a conflict with attacks on humanitarian workers and this had made supplies like food, water, and medicine less available. An eight member UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination team has been deployed to enhance the efficiency of humanitarian response. Cote d'Ivoire feels that this topic is tough because it is hard for members of a society to distinguish who is genuinely trying to help them and who is not. Being so it does not give them the right to act on assumption and use violence.

The Geneva Conventions outlined the rights of non-combatants during conflict and reassured the access to food, water, shelter, medical treatment and communications. While these treaties did assure protection to the humanitarian workers, they do not guarantee access of the workers to affected areas. Governments and local militia can ban agencies and workers from working in their area. Cote d'Iviore feels that if a government doesn't want people in their area then just tell them and they will leave. There is a simple structured way to tell them to get out rather than afflicting violence.

The World Food Program is starting to airlift supplies to provide assistance to tens of thousands of internally displaced families and people and Ivorian refugees in the neighboring Liberia. Cote d'Ivoire feels that airlifting supplies and being more careful not to infringe upon society is the key to preventing humanitarian aid violence. There are many displaced people in Cote d'Ivoire and many refugees fleeing to Liberia. The issue of protecting the humanitarian workers is of the upmost importance.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Czech Republic
Delegate Name: Lindsey Kinderdine
School: Mattawan High School

Assistance from humanitarian workers is deemed necessary for nations deteriorating due to political crises and natural disasters in order to lessen, if not abate the human struggles. Recently, the respect for these workers and their legally protected status has fallen and the workers have become victims of the attacks themselves. Workers have been injured, kidnapped, and even murdered. Generally, such attacks occur in conflict zones and often are motivated by desperation of citizens or for political reasons. The goal of the assailants is most often to lash a harsh blow to the aid organization.

The most recent result of attacks on the aid organizations have resulted in the decline of numbers of people working for each effort, and so small groups are hosting more small programs to aid the afflicted citizens. Due to this decentralization of the aid efforts, it has been reported that the numbers of attacks is proportional to the size of the group attending to each small area. Because of the decrease in potential victims at events sponsored by the aid organizations, it inclines the Czech Republic to believe that politically motivated groups will be less impelled to attack. However, humanity feels strength in numbers, so the humanitarian aid programs will feel less compelled to send small groups of people trained in, not defense, but medicine or food distribution into dangerous territories alone. Due to this phenomena, the UN needs to intervene and provide a solution for these dilemmas before the violence dissolves all effort of aid supplementation in struggling nations.

Humanitarian workers are well aware of the risks of entering a war-zone to provide aid to the victims of these conflicts. As of late, however, the risks of workers entering such areas where their work is needed most has highly increased by the planned attacks of both politically motivated groups or the desperate citizens afflicted with the devastating effects of the conflict zone or natural disaster. The workers have no form of protection against such violence through the UN’s legislation, and, thus, often are highly vulnerable targets. The Czech Republic agrees that a resolution is necessary to protect these workers from the excessive and unnecessary violence directed at them.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Delegate Name: Austin Delsi
School: Mattawan High School

The Democratic Republic of the Congo agrees that protecting humanitarian aid in conflict zones is an issue that deserves a resolution. Countries should be allowed a choice to have the aid, and if the country does not want the aid, then it should not be given. Humanitarian groups should not enter countries’ borders without permission from the central government.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the sixth largest recipient of humanitarian aid in the world. However, our country does not need such aid. Assistance is not needed, nor wanted. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is an independent nation and wishes to act in such manner. The DRC has not had any major military conflicts since a clash in 2007 after the first free election in forty years. An action like free elections is just one way that the Democratic Republic of the Congo can monitor and control itself.

Currently, an aid program is in place called MONUSCO. This program is funded by over thirty countries and led financially with India. Since our nation is already able to handle conflicts and control humanitarian aid itself, MONUSCO should not be in effect. The Democratic Republic of the Congo would like to see amendments made to MONUSCO to begin the decline of its assistance into our nation so humanitarian aid violence does not continue to occur in our nation due to the issue of unneeded and unwanted aid. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is an independent nation and wishes to be treated so accordingly. We wish for the option to choose how and when we receive aid and if we would like aid at all.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Denmark
Delegate Name: Ellen Everett
School: Fishers High School

Denmark strongly believes that humanitarian workers are important aids to many peoples and the services of them are needed to keep the peace of the world. Therefore, humanitarian workers should be protected to keep this peace.

Humanitarian workers today are sent out by the U.N. to protect and send relief to any peoples in any sovereign state. When protecting humanitarian workers in conflict zones, the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership International and other groups, are supposed to find ways of solving everything peacefully so that humanitarian workers and the endangered peoples get the right amount of protection, but these groups don’t emphasize much stress on the topic.

Denmark would like to present Resolution 1502 of the U.N. to support the belief of protecting humanitarian workers. Resolution 1502 infers that any violence directed towards humanitarian workers is a war crime. Denmark would like to concur with this statement, but this topic needs to still be repaired. One part of Resolution 1502 specifically states:

_4. Urges all those concerned as set forth in international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions and the Hague Regulations, to allow full unimpeded access by humanitarian personnel to all people in need of assistance, and to make available, as far as possible, all necessary facilities for their operations, and to promote the safety, security and freedom of movement of humanitarian personnel and United Nations and its associated personnel and their assets;_

When humanitarian personnel are violated and/or hurt in any way, the U.N. should send anything that will help them, but not anything that could possibly cause more violence. This all would need to be solved peacefully and at all costs try not to send the military in. Sending the military would be the last resort.

Denmark therefore proposes to the Security Council that the U.N. should send any needed supplies or personnel to the humanitarian workers; if there are no other options, sending the military in as the defensive side to aid and protect the peace is the wisest decision to make.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Betsy Hensel
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

At the occurrence of a natural disaster or man-made catastrophe or in severely under-served regions, comes the aid of the humanitarian workers. These workers are able to make a huge difference in the areas they serve by providing life-saving assistance to help the affected area become stable and to recover. The United Nations has taken many actions to aid under-served areas. Organizations such as United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) are designed to provide humanitarian aid to areas in need all around the world. At the Geneva Conventions in Geneva, Switzerland, four treaties were created to establish international law and international humanitarian law, both designed to create international guidelines in regard to how states are able to treat their citizens and to protect the citizens from any wrongful attacks. These Conventions were intended to protect humanitarian workers but do not guarantee access to the location in need nor do they require the parties in the conflict to provide security and protection to the aid workers. Egypt accessed these four treaties, meaning Egypt recognizes and supports the protection of those harmed by man-made devastation, which includes humanitarian workers in conflict zones. Cairo, Egypt houses the regional office of OCHA for the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. Recently, it was able to aid citizens harmed in uprisings in Syria and Libya. Egypt also recognizes World Humanitarian Day, a United Nations sponsored day designed to raise awareness of the goodwill of and danger experienced by humanitarian workers. Unfortunately, the work of humanitarian workers is terribly dangerous due to the random attacks on them. The past ten years has been the most dangerous for such workers according to a United Nations study. The motives of these attacks are varied and most are undetermined; known motives include political disagreements, economic disagreements, the attackers not wanting the area to receive help, or the attackers disagreed with a statement or action taken by the relief organization. Although most humanitarian aid workers come from the country in which the aid is being provided, there is often a misconception among the local population that the workers are affiliated with Western organizations and that they are propagating Western ideas. Attacks occur most often in countries such as Sudan, Afghanistan, and Somalia.

Egypt believes that the committee should focus on other goals because the violence against aid workers is localized. The laws of the Geneva Conventions are being followed although aid workers are being attacked; it is a dangerous occupation. Egypt has adopted the United Nations’ eight millennium development goals. Goal number seven expresses the desire for environmental sustainability. This includes an improved drinking water source for citizens, an improved sanitation facility, and to better the lives of those living in urban slums. Humanitarian workers are necessary to facilitate this. The eighth goal is development of global partnership. One of the areas of this goal is assisting the less developed countries and providing aid. To further these two goals, Egypt would like further global participation in the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, as created by the twenty-second special session of the UN General Assembly. Egypt calls for an increase in the amount of financial assistance given by countries around the world and members of the United Nations to the less developed countries, because of the amount of work that would be able to be facilitated given a larger budget with which to aid under-served areas.

Those countries that would support an increase in financial assistance to humanitarian workers and their work include members of the Overseas Development Institute that includes United Kingdom, Mexico, France, India, Pakistan, many western and eastern African countries, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Chile. Many of these countries would be willing at the conference to support Egypt’s ideas for achievement of these Millennium Development Goals.

Countries that have dissenting views from Egypt include those that house the attacks on humanitarian workers, and the situation has not yet been controlled. Such countries include: Angola (where attackers shot down two United Nations planes), Somalia, Afghanistan, Sudan, Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the conference, these countries might vote against any actions taken to protect humanitarian workers or simply refuse to provide a solution to violence in their countries.

"Egyptian police attack aid worker in ordeal." Maidenhead Advertiser. Ed. Martin Trepte. Baylis Media Ltd, 18 Jan. 2010. Web. 13 Nov. 2011. <http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/Lifestyle/Mind-and-Body/PHOTOS-Egyptian-police-attack-aid-worker-in-ordeal-14565.htm>.

"Honouring Humanitarian Workers Worldwide." United Nations Development Programme. United Nations Development Programme, 19 Aug. 2011. Web. 10 Nov. 2011. <http://www.beta.undp.org/undp/en/home/ourperspective/ourperspectivearticles/2011/08/19/honouring-humanitarian-workers-worldwide.html#>.

"Other protected persons: humanitarian workers, journalists, medical and religious personnel." ICRC. International Committee of the Red Cross, 29 Oct. 2010. Web. 10 Nov. 2011. <http://www.icrc.org/eng/war-and-law/protected-persons/other-protected-persons/overview-other-protected-persons.htm>.

Vaccarello, Joe. "Humanitarian work most dangerous in last 10 years." CNN World. Cable News Network, 12 Apr. 2011. Web. 11 Nov. 2011. <http://articles.cnn.com/2011-04-12/world/un.humanitarian.workers_1_humanitarian-workers-attacks-humanitarian-personnel?_s=PM:WORLD>.

"World Humanitarian Day: Europe's support to humanitarian work." Europa Gateway to the European Union. European Union, 18 Aug. Web. 12 Nov. 2011. <http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/11/558&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en>.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Finland
Delegate Name: Jessica Tillman
School: Fishers High School

Just over the past few years, Finland has given out approximately 168.155 million euros to humanitarian aid to all over the world. Up through mid-October of this year, Finland has given out 76,800,000 euros and still has a little bit over a million left. Much of the money goes to organizations within the United Nations, like United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Relief and Works agency for Palestine (UNRWA), the UN Children’s Fund (Unicef), the UN Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), and the World Food Programme (WFP). In giving all these organizations money, Finland has played a key role in helping other countries help themselves. In 2010, when Haiti was struck with an earthquake, Finland gave 6,200,000 euros for earthquake relief to build shelters, provide clean water, clothes, and food, and give the people much needed general health care and medical supplement. The very next year, Japan has a very large earthquake, tsunami, and a whirlpool all in the same day. Finland again, responded by giving money for support in recovery, but only half a million euros because there was a much larger response and it was not a third world country like Haiti, so it could do more for itself, than the other.

Although records for other countries are not available, Finland believes that some countries are not contributing enough to support the cause of helping countries in need. One of the main issues is workers in conflict zones. Those workers are what run the country sometimes, depending on the status of said country. When a worker has to put their lives in danger everyday just by going to work, it is not right. Finland believes that countries should place more protection around those workers because these are people who should not have to worry about getting shot at every day at work, especially when they are an architect, a job that should not be in harm’s way. By providing such services for the workers, Finland believes that those people will feel safer going to work each day to support their families back home.

In the future, Finland would like for men and women of war zone countries to be safe in the job that they have. They should not be putting their lives on the line each day to just teach children, or work at a store as a sales clerk. If those men and women die because of what they do for a living, then the country should create more protection for them because the workers are people of a country and should not have to give their lives for their country unless they want to or have to, not just because of what they do or where they work. So Finland proposes higher security for workers in war zones so that the people may be safe to continue on as themselves from day to day.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: France
Delegate Name: Adam Mageed
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Historically, through the span of modern-day conflicts, humanitarian workers from local villages and far-reaching nations alike have answered the cries for help by victims of incredible violence without regard for their other-worldly obligations. From the war-torn fronts of Chechnya to the bombings in Bali, humanitarian aid volunteers have put their personal matters on hold for the benefit of those who desperately need a lending hand. But must their lives be put on the line in the process? Recent statistics convey an exponential increase in the number of attacks against humanitarian workers from 1997-2005. In those eight years, 941 humanitarians have fallen victim to harsh acts of violence, with 434 fatalities. This same time period has also seen a 208% increase in politically motivated attacks, as opposed to assaults committed for personal gain. This fact raises serious concern over the future safety of humanitarian workers in conflict zones as non-state actors begin taking lasting derision against groups and organizations seeking to help their civilian “opponents”, creating a long-standing hostile territory for humanitarian workers to operate where help is needed most. For them to continue their work, they need reassurance that all will be done to prevent them losing their lives in the process.

The United Nations, with continuous support by the French Republic, has established several legal bases concerning the protection of non-combatants, such as humanitarian workers, in a combat zone. Chief among these are those detailed in the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the accompanying Protocol of 1977. Afterward, the next substantial contribution towards the rights of humanitarian workers came with Resolution 1502 passed by the United Nations Security Council, granting greater rights to humanitarian workers and treating attacks on them as a war crime. However, where the current quandary exists is how to apply this international law upon non-state entities, or bodies that do not belong to a particular country or government.

France has considerable interest in this matter as France is one the world’s largest contributors of humanitarian workers and volunteers. France has been a significant proponent of all measures geared towards outlining, protecting, and enforcing the rights to food, water, shelter, medical treatment, and, most importantly, life for all humanitarian non-combatants in the field of fire. Also serving as a foundation from which humanitarian and non-governmental organizations spring forth, such as Action Contre La Faim and Médecins Sans Frontières, spring forth, the French Republic is exceptionally concerned towards the well-being of the caretakers of our world’s needy.

The French Republic believes that extensive measures must be instituted to help defend humanitarian workers in combat zones. Specifically, the French Republic would like to oversee and furthermore play an instrumental role in establishing a protocol to allow heavily-armed UN forces to accompany humanitarian workers in intensely volatile regions. Although this practice is not unprecedented, the shortcomings involve UN peacekeepers possessing inadequate arms to protect themselves and other non-combatants. Further legislation should also be inscribed to hold non-state actors accountable for their crimes against humanity by harming humanitarian workers in combat zones. In this way, the unfortunate plight of the victims of violence in areas such as Afghanistan and Sri Lanka can move ever closer towards alleviation.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Gabon
Delegate Name: Cody Hoeffel
School: Royal Oak High School

The nation of Gabon, like most others is deeply concerned by the constant growth of attacks on humanitarian aid workers. It is Gabon's belief that the principle cause for the rise in attacks is xenophobia. Xenophobia in this case is due to a lack of distinction between aid groups and their parent nations and organizations, this is often a point made by a former assistant high commissioner to the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. United Nations workers for example are targeted in some states because they are viewed as the people who had placed sanctions on their state. Identification is also a problem when many different aid groups enter the nation, resulting in confusion amongst the locals as to who is who. This is especially seen in nations such as Afghanistan where aid workers and solidiers are categorized as “the west” by groups such as the Taliban. This is because the many Non-Governmental Organizations that respond to emergencies all carry different symbols and often come from the same nation as the perceived invaders. There is one sole exception to the rule of increased death and confusion. That is the International Committee of the Red Cross, which has actually seen a decline in attacks on its workers. This is because the Red Cross is a relatively small operation in each country that attempts to communicate its neutrality to all conflicting parties, allowing them to operate with less dependence on military forces to provide security, something Gabon believes should be utilized by all NGOs and . Gabon would also hope to see NGOs attempt to coordinate their actions so that zones that are not safe for the workers are known by all parties. The NGOs, Gabon believes, should follow the Red Cross in its use of small field groups and assurance of all parties of their neutrality. Finally NGOs must also recognize the fact that they will not always be accepted by the people they wish to help, they may come from the UN, which in some countries is viewed as an enemy of the state. There is also an issue in that there is a great lack in coordination between the hundreds of organizations each act independently of each other. In Afghanistan the administer of Interior Affairs has even admitted to not knowing what reconstruction groups are doing in rural areas. Another result of this disorganization is that the prices of certain goods, including food and land, are driven up by the sheer presence of the aid workers. In Somalia there is a very large UN presence, yet information as to who is wounded, how many are wounded is scarce. The result is a lack of distribution of goods in the region. Finally, aid groups rarely reflect the diversity of the United Nations, many come from “the west” and this results in prejudice against them. In regards to this discourse of organization and representation Gabon believes that the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has begun to develop the proper method of organization. OCHA utilizes “clusters” in which specific organizations are assigned a single aspect to address. This cuts down on the sheer chaos of having nine hundred or so NGOs all operating on their own without any coordination. Clusters allow these groups to focus and coordinate with one another to develop and implement the best solution. Finally, nations that have entered states of conflict should follow the Fourth Geneva Convention and establish zones of neutrality where civilians and aid workers can interact without fear of attack. In closing, it will be best for OCHA to manage NGOs. While NGOs and humanitarian aid groups should model their operations off of the International Red Cross.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Haiti
Delegate Name: Alex Mervenne
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Hello, I am representing Haiti on the topic of protecting humanitarian workers in conflict zones. Haiti stands by protecting humanitarian workers in conflict zones. Our beautiful homeland of Haiti has had to endure many natural disasters that has left our nation in turmoil. One of these natural disasters was hurricane Katrina. We again thank all you that helped us in that dark time. After the hurricane we were blessed to be given the gift of help from many of our fellow nations of the world. Once we had humanitarian relief we really then only realized that the protection of humanitarian workers was a big deal and should be greatly enforced. We believe that the United Nations should put more effort into protecting the humanitarian workers because why should the workers lives be at risk.

Haiti believes that the United Nations should put together a small army that should only be used on the basis of humanitarian relief in conflict zones. With the creation of a new army only used for protecting the humanitarian workers, we can then assure the safety of workers. This will then hopefully increase the amount of humanitarian workers because people wont have to worry about getting injured when they go help a fellow nation.

Haiti is truly thankful for being given the opportunity to speak on the basis of protecting humanitarian workers in conflicts zones. We really hope you put our idea into consideration because we truly believe it will help.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: India
Delegate Name: Noah Attal
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

India recognizes the United Nations mission to provide humanitarian aid in conflict and natural disaster zone one of the most exigent services the organization provides. The agencies that work through the UN provide much of that in the world. India however, reminds all members that the provision of humanitarian assistance must be in accordance to the Guiding Principles in General Assembly Resolution 46/182. The Indian Republic strongly supports that all humanitarian assistance be provided in accordance to the well established principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality. The resolution also calls for sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of the States must be fully respected and that humanitarian assistance should be provided with the consent of the affected country. However, since 1945 the decrease in conflicts involving two states has vastly effected the treatment of civilians and aid workers. Most modern conflicts involve a independent state and a non-state armed group(NSAG); NSAGs do not abide by national law and therefore are not subject to the Geneva Convention of 1949. Conflicts between states and groups like Hezbollah, Al-Shabab, the Communist Party of India, and La Familia Cartel have led to increases in civilian and humanitarian casualties. In the last 3 years over 300 aid workers have been injured deliberately by armed insurgents. The highest casualties come from Afghanistan, Somalia and The Sudan; India is deeply concerned with the rise of violence against humanitarian workers.

India supports a states national sovereignty and unity in dealing with humanitarian crimes within its boarders. India recommends humanitarian agencies not depend on a nation state for security however and instead work through the United Nations and its peacekeeping troops. India has contributed more than 100,000 troops to peacekeeping missions in over 40 countries. The Republic of India recommends that aid programs cooperate with UN troops and train personnel in avoiding potentially dangerous situations. To support these measures the United Nations must strengthen its own humanitarian aid agencies and increase the security provided by UN peacekeeping troops in conflict zones.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Allen Huynh
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Humanitarian workers are there in times of disasters and suffering of civilians. They put their lives at risk in an attempt to alleviate the misery of innocent children, women and men. They should not be endangered in attempts to assist others. The Republic of Indonesia is willing to accept humanitarian assistance in times of disasters and willing to send assistance to those in need. It is not easy to admit for any one nation, as a result of pride. It is not a shame to admit that one needs help. The Republic of Indonesia will accept assistance from humanitarian workers. Like all other countries, we all run the risk of natural disasters and other conflicts, such as, terrorism. The Republic of Indonesia has been resisting its own extremist and terror groups. Groups such as those are willing to take hostages and kill humanitarian workers. Our military and police forces have been suppressing these groups, and will always protect humanitarian workers as dictated by the Geneva Conventions of 1949, Protocols of 1977, and the UN Security Council's Resolution of 1502.

Violence towards aid workers is difficult to eliminate. There are non-state actors that are not obligated to protect, and have the ability to harm, such as, al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah Islamist terror group. All countries must continue to protect, but the UN must assist. The UN must send peacekeeping soldiers to zones of conflict and disaster. Together with the country's military and police force, the acts of violence towards humanitarian workers will decrease dramatically.

Without the UN's help, violence is tough to suppress. Violence not only endangers innocent lives, but damages aid projects. There projects will save more civilians lives in times of disaster and war, but are hindered in progress due to targeting of humanitarians workers, who are vital to the well-being of the project. They carry out of the aid and support necessary. Yet, there are other groups out there that will take advantage of this, in order to satisfy their demands with no regard of the lives of the innocents. We, the Republic of Indonesia, petition with all our might to the United Nations. We petition that the United Nations must send more peacekeeping soldiers to zones of conflict and zones of disaster to uphold the protection of noble humanitarian worker lives.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Joseph Consolla
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Hello, Joe again, but my official title is Sir Joseph Mark Consolla I of the Islamic Republic of Iran! I would like to start off by pointing out a little known fact about Iran. Many people might not assume this, but we are one of the leading countries in the world in providing humanitarian aid, especially in recent times. Just a month ago, with Somalia suffering from famine and drought, Iran was one of the first countries to rush to their aid. The Iranian Red Crescent Society (from here on referred to as the IRCS) set up a camp in the Somalian capital of Mogadishu which accomodates 200 households. This May, we sent a 36-ton shipment of medical equipment and food supplies to Libya for civilians and refugees fleeing the conflict. Also this past month, we have donated $100 million for the rehabilitation of the rain afflicted peoples in Pakistan. However, I am not here to tell you about how great we are at providing humanitarian aid, as great as we may be! I am here to explain how we can improve our overall efforts in providing aid to countries in need of it.

The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the biggest factor in protecting humanitarian aid workers in dangerous conflict zones. We are proposing military aid from each country to secure conflict zones. Who provides the military aid and how much can be debated on, but some factors could include the size of the countries military and whether or not they are currently involved in an armed conflict. I feel that this will help not only in protecting aid workers, but also in increasing interest civilians volunteering for humanitarian aid programs. With increased protection, more people will feel safe about going to a dangerous conflict zone, than if they were just thrust into a dangerous military conflict with no protection of their own. Once again, thank you ladies and gents on listening to what I have to say!

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Iraq
Delegate Name: Eric Bayless-Hall
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Protecting the people who are working to improve the quality of a nation is important. Humanitarian aid workers in countries all over the world deserve safe work conditions. The unstable condition of our newly formed government makes it hard for Iraq to react as completely as we should.

Iraq wants safe working condition for all humanitarian aid in all areas. We believe that aid workers are some of the most helpful people in Iraq and other conflict zones such as Somalia. To accept their help and not keep them safe would be an awful way of expressing gratefulness for what they are doing. Though struggling with a recovering economy and government, Iraq is looking to fix the problems of aid workers in conflict zones.

Working with the United Nations, Iraq wants to move toward laws, mainly in conflict zones, ensuring safe living space, workspace and travel. To ensure safe working conditions we want to have some sort of security around the workers at all time. Setting up large groups of aid workers living and working together will cut down the vulnerability of the workers.

In conclusion Iraq supports helping countries create laws to keep the humanitarian workers safe and wishes to help develop relations between humanitarian work groups and countries including Iraq. Situations in conflict zones such as Somalia are too serious to be ignored or overlooked. In order to deal with these situations we will need outside help.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Kody Ware
School: Williamston High School

The United nations office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs states that “Protection broadly encompasses activities aimed at obtaining full respect for the rights of all individuals in accordance with international law international humanitarian, human rights, and refugee law regardless of their age, gender, social ethnic, national, religious, or other background and that In general, protection refers to: Protection of civilians in armed conflict (POC), whereby all parties to the conflict are responsible for ensuring that the civilian population is respected and protected and Protection in contexts of natural disasters or civil unrest, whereby national authorities have the primary responsibility for the well-being of those affected

As far as the safety of humanitarians is concerned it states that In general, protection refers to: Protection of civilians in armed conflict (POC), whereby all parties to the conflict are responsible for ensuring that the civilian population is respected and protected and Protection in contexts of natural disasters or civil unrest, whereby national authorities have the primary responsibility for the well-being of those affected Countries in the United nations should do what they can to help protect and serve humanitarian workers but should not be held responsible for the harm or death that may come to the humanitarian workers. Over the past decade, attacks against humanitarian personnel have tripled, reaching 100 deaths per year in particularly insecure countries such as Afghanistan, Somalia and Sudan (Darfur) and as a result, humanitarian actors particularly UN organizations struggle to maintain presence and safe access to affected people in areas where conflict has surged, which are often the ones where vulnerability is greatest. It is too much to ask governments to protect humanitarian workers while still looking out for the safety of their own citizens.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Brooke Michelson
School: Roeper School

Recently, violent attacks against humanitarian workers have been increasingly occurring in zones of conflict. Though international law aims to protect these workers as laid out in the UN Security Council resolution 1502 as well as the Geneva convention of 1949, attacks in non-state conflicts by non-state parties occur in great numbers, and the state may have little control over the circumstances or the protection of these individuals. The three conflict zones that have been most dangerous for humanitarian workers, most notably from NGO’s and UN local contractors, are Sudan, Somalia, and Afghanistan and incidents in these zones alone account for 60% of all violent acts against humanitarian workers. In 2008, there were more humanitarian aid worker deaths from violent acts than there were deaths of UN peacekeeping troops. At the heart of the issue is political tension, and the tendency for the NGO’s or humanitarians to be seen by those in conflict as part of western political aggression.

The Italian Republic is deeply troubled by the increase of fatalities in this tragic issue. We work closely with NATO, the EU, and many UN bodies to focus humanitarian aid globally, whether through support of NGO’s or direct aid itself. In 2009 we were the world’s eleventh biggest donor of assistance, with 3.31 billion USD in aid given, representing .16% of our GNI that year. We fully condemn the wasting of these efforts and the efforts by all of our partners in peace, by violent acts against those simply aiming to help. If we, as a global community, are going to move towards safety for these individuals and their groups, we must look at their protection from every angle, and ensure we get to the heart of the cause of these violent attacks.

The Italian Republic sees many facets to decreasing the violence against humanitarian workers. One way to move towards safety and protection is to ensure that all humanitarian workers are properly equipped with safety gear, trained in self-defense, and also knowledgeable about the conflict zone and the dangers present there. While these measures are important, they are also reactionary. Perhaps the most important measure is a proactive one: to examine and focus on the perception of the NGO’s, UN local contractors, their employees, and their work within the conflict zone, by those in conflict. It is the responsibility of the nation and of each individual group to focus on explaining the goals and understanding the needs, allowing those in conflict to voice opinions and ask questions peacefully. Striking at the heart of the lack of understanding and the blind hatred for these peaceful workers and reversing those preconceived notions is the only way to fully ensure their safety. The Italian Republic urges this committee to work quickly and responsibly to move towards rectifying this grave issue.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Eamon Whalen
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The state of Japan is firmly committed to the protection of humanitarian aid workers. In light of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Tohoku, Japan is fully aware of the importance of international aid organizations and their mission. During the past year, Japan has received aid from 116 nations and 28 non-government organizations to assist with disaster relief efforts. While aid workers in Japan did not experience malicious behavior, Japan recognizes the rise of anti-humanitarian sentiment in other nations and pledges its full support to finding a solution.

Throughout the last thirty years, Japan has consistently ranked in the top five contributors of financial aid and humanitarian workers. A combination of more “home grown” terrorism and increasingly unstable working environments has made humanitarian aid an increasingly more dangerous practice. In the interest of our own humanitarian aid workers and those of the rest of the world, Japan proposes more international pressure be placed on nations where such violence is occurring. Countries receiving aid should be morally, ethically, and legally obligated to protect aid workers. It is, we feel, the job of the UN to enforce this protection.

Increased violence towards humanitarian aid workers is detrimental is numerous ways. For one, aid workers are simply unable to provide help if they are under attack, kidnapped, or killed. Also, the countries that are receiving aid either have to spend money to protect the workers or face international scrutiny for not doing so. Finally, areas that have a reputation for being violent towards aid workers are less likely to receive the help they so desperately need. This cycle of need and abandonment must be prevented before it spins out of control.

In the short term, Japan proposes the UN increase pressure on nations receiving aid to protect aid workers. The protection of aid workers must be made a top priority. Nations that fail to comply with UN standards would lose certain representation and power within the UN. In the long term, Japan would like to see more emphasis put on the reduction of xenophobic sentiment around the world. Through international cooperation, Japan feels as though conflict prevention is, in the end, the best way to protect humanitarian aid workers. The state of Japan stands firmly committed to protect aid workers within its own borders and around the world.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Jordan
Delegate Name: Sara Murphy
School: Fishers High School

The Kingdom of Jordan recognizes the problems facing humanitarian workers in conflict zones. In many countries, the humanitarian workers come to be seen as aids to the enemy or taking sides in the conflict. As a result of this many NGOs and government organizations are attacked. The motives for these attacks are to keep the resources away from the civilians and to drive out the NGOs. Jordan itself has a very high number of refugees from a variety of different countries but mainly from Palestine. The Palestinians reside mostly on the Gaza Strip and are sent aid whenever possible but, groups such as the Hamas have had a tendency to divert the aid.

Jordan believes that changes need happen to insure the security of humanitarian workers. Jordan suggests that drastic measures be taken to get rid of the terrorist groups occupying these areas. Jordan also suggests that a specialized police force be formed in order to keep the humanitarian workers safer and to prevent the raids terrorist groups. Currently the Gaza Strip is being run by the Hamas, a terrorist group that is robbing the Palestinian refugees of aid in that area. If a police force took over the Gaza Strip then the aid would be able to get to the refugees and the workers would be safer to continue their work.

Jordan believes that the humanitarian workers are key elements to the survival of many refugees and they need to be protected in order to maintain stability in these conflict zones. Jordan believes that the best way to go about doing this is to create a specialized police force to help disband some of the terrorism in these areas.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Latvia
Delegate Name: Daniel Lance
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

People die. People die every day; it is simply a sad fact of life. But why is it that the people who seem to be at the most risk these days are the people who give of themselves more than any of us ever would? The truly sad fact is that, every day, more and more charitable workers are killed due to sick political ends, warped religious principles, gross misunderstandings in the case of Non Government Organizational workers killed, and, in all cases, sheer negligence on the part of those who are mean to protect these innocent peace workers. This negligence and failure is made even more disgusting by the 66th general assembly of the UN, committee section B: Maintenance of International Peace and Security part 62, which delegates the protection of these humanitarian workers to the UN commissioner. And sadly, the rate of humanitarian deaths continues to climb.

The Republic of Latvia has a long history of humanitarian debacles, despite its relatively short period of sovereignty. In most recent years, three Latvian natives were kidnapped during a charitable mission for the UNHAS, and held in Darfur, Sudan for several months. The blame for the capture of these people does not lie with the UN, but, as they were UN workers, the expedience (or lack thereof) with which efforts were made to procure their freedom is laughable.

It is the belief of the Republic of Latvia that the intentions of the UN are good, but it is foolhardy to expect an assembly of beaurocrats to treat the rescue of three civilians with any kind of urgency, which is why it would be wise to outline a regimented procedure to deal with hostage situations, so that proceedings to rescue innocent people will not take three months.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Lebanon
Delegate Name: Ashley Jordan
School: Mattawan High School

Humanitarian aid workers are a major building block in helping countries in need rebuild their infrastructure, resources, and communities internationally. As more humanitarian aid workers are deployed, violence against these workers has also increased. Although said workers are protected legally by United Nations, there is still a lack of a plausible way to physically protect all aid workers.

Especially during the outbreak of fighting with Fatah al-Islam in 2007, Lebanon has had previous concerns regarding the safety of aid workers in this region. Two aid workers were killed at the Nahr al-Barad refugee camp, however, this was the largest incident at least in the last ten years. The Republic of Lebanon has taken steps with its military to make sure that humanitarian aid workers in conflict zones have proper physical protection to back up their protected legal status granted by the UN. Despite each nation’s individual efforts to combat the violence in their relative conflict zones, violence is on an upward trend. From 1998 to 2000 alone, which is before many conflicts through the next decade that resulted in many more conflict zones, a study shows that 198 UN civilian workers were killed.

The Republic of Lebanon believes that it is necessary to combine military force and acceptance to create a balance in which it is safe for civilian aid to conduct their work. Acceptance by the community will allow the workers to accomplish their goals without negative interference by the local population and military force will help deter any potential violent threats.

Lebanon believes it is of high priority for the United Nations as a whole and each individual country and neighboring country with any presence of humanitarian aid workers to cooperate in order to ensure the safety of those who are trying to assist.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Libya
Delegate Name: Eli Simons
School: Roeper School

Humanitarian workers are essential to improving the quality of life in developing countries and war zones. However protecting these humanitarian workers in conflict zones poses an important yet difficult issue. The motives are different with every situation, weather it’s a suicide bombing on peace troops in Afghanistan or a kidnapping of aid workers in Yemen, the motives and victims have a wide range.

Since 1993, there have been over 89 attacks on humanitarian workers, resulting in over 270 deaths, disappearances, and other injuries. Many of these have been directed towards peacekeeping troops. We must fins a way to prevent any further amounts of these acts of terrorism.

Libya suggests that with every humanitarian group that travels to a conflict zone, the United Nations sends with it a group of peace troops with the goal of keeping that delegation safe. Although we understand that this could put a huge strain on the United Nations’s budget, we believe that this measure is extreme yet necessary to ensure the safety of our fellow citizens of the world.

Regarding the attacks on United Nations peace troops, we believe that the first measure taken is to simply better train the peace troops. Although we understand that they are meant to keep the peace, there are obviously some instances where they will be forced to fight for their survival. We think it is essential that the United Nations peace troops receive the highest quality military combat training. We suggest that they train with the American Marine Corps, or depending on how bad the conflict zone is, the Green Berets.

Keeping humanitarian workers safe in conflict zones is one of the most important issues facing the United Nations today, and we believe that with time and effort, great strides will be made.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Griffin Kragt
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The Netherlands, in times of chaos, always helps countries in need. But when our humanitarian workers are attacked, and sometimes killed, it doesn't bring joy to our country. Less and less people are willing to aid the needy because of these terrible acts of violence. The United Nations has said that humanitarian workers would be kept safe, that is hard to believe when more volunteers have been killed than U.N. peace keeping soldiers. Until the U.N. increases the amount of: security, safe transport, and safe living spaces for aid workers, there will be less people that will want to help.

It appears that humanitarian workers are being targeted more frequently. The Netherlands would like to see more U.N. peace keeping soldiers in conflict zones to ensure the safety of its' people. After the Israeli commando crisis in 2010, it would only make sense to have safer paths for transportation. If some U.N. soldiers had been on board, those 8 Turkish aids would still be alive today.

The impact from violence on aid workers has been immense. with every aid worker killed, it makes it that much harder to keep that aid project running. All of the Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that help countries in need, receive money from donations. Donations become scarce when its' workers are known for being murdered or kidnapped frequently. Unless something is done soon, The Nehterlands will be less obligated to help. How can we help war-torn countries when we can't even protect our own aid workers?

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Alex Mullen
School: Williamston High School

Nigeria believes that all countries are partially responsible for the protection of humanitarian workers in conflict zones. However Nigeria thinks that most of that responsibility is that of the workers. Nigeria and many other countries alike don’t have the resources to protect and sever humanitarian workers in these harsh and deadly conflict zones. Nigeria believes that these workers have to take their own risk and take care of them self in these situations. We feel like it is there job and there own sole responsibility for what happens to them keeping in mind that this was their choice to help.

Nigeria strongly believes that these workers cannot be fully supported by the nation they are in and by that government due to the nature of some unstable countries. We believe that these humanitarian workers should be able to call on to UN forces or other UN resources to accomplish their mission. I think this is a viable option that this committee needs to look into. Nigeria believes in the well being of these humanitarian workers but not at the cost of a unstable country that can’t even support itself having to bear the burden of protection. I think that the job of this committee will be a tough one that will take many hours of deliberation of who this should be solved and Nigeria is looking forward to contribute to the new resolutions on this.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: North Korea
Delegate Name: Samantha Heiman
School: Roeper School

Humanitarian aid is services provided to a country in times of natural disaster, or as discussed in the committee, man-made disaster. Humanitarian workers are meant to save lives, give medical care, and reduce suffering among people in these areas. The amount of attacks against humanitarian workers has been on the rise since the 1990’s, and has further increased since 2000. 2008 was a peak year in violence towards aid workers, and the most dangerous countries for aid workers are Somalia and Afghanistan. Legal protection is granted to humanitarian workers from the United Nations, NGO’s, and PVO’s through the Geneva Convention. The United Nations recognizes attacks against them as a war crime. However, due to a perceived threat to national sovereignty and a lack of laws demanding protection of humanitarians, attacks have been occurring.

While DPRK does not currently have any conflict zones, recently many humanitarian forces have been released to the nation for other accused violations. Problems between citizens and these groups have been low. DPRK believes that these attacks should be prevented.

In order to prevent further attacks on humanitarians in countries, one solution could be to further educate aid workers on how to abide by the laws of the nation they are entering. In doing this, the humanitarian groups could still do their job, but without interfering with the national sovereignty of the country they have entered. In cases where violence is almost guaranteed to occur, agreements could be decided with the NGO’s and other aid organizations to limit or stop entry of aid workers.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Portugal
Delegate Name: Jack H. Somers
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Humanitarian workers are some of history’s greatest heroes. Organizations such as the Red Cross have been helping those in need from the earthquake in Haiti to the nuclear meltdown in Japan. Sometimes workers in zones that are at war or are prone to violence can be attacked and injured. These workers are selfless individuals who want to do nothing more than help those who are in need. It should be one of the United Nations’ prime objectives is to help civilians in danger from war and other violent episodes, particularly humanitarian workers in conflict zones.

We from the Portuguese Republic believe that workers doing humanitarian labor for the disadvantaged should be protected. In our country we have a great organization called the Aga Khan Foundation, which has delivered assistance to numerous underprivileged individuals by increasing public health, providing education for the lower classes in many countries, and reducing disasters. The funding required for these deeds comes from government funds, mutual institutions and private sector partners.

We have faith in the UN to do what is right and help these victims. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs would be the organ best suited for this task. Their experience setting up the World Conference on Human Rights in 1993 would be of great benefit to this situation. They could call a conference from counties that both have large groups of their population giving humanitarian aid, and also countries that have large groups of their population receiving humanitarian aid. These countries could discuss the problems and issues that cause outbreaks of violence against humanitarian workers and what best way to contain them for each individual countries situation. One solution that may be explored is the idea of humanitarian workers asking the government of the country they are aiding to provide a police force to protect them while they are working.

The impact of violence on humanitarian projects can be hard to account for. There are certainly those working on the project that may leave in elevated conflict conditions. There are also those who would stay and endanger their lives, which is of concern to the nation of Portugal. There should be very specific explanations of what kind of environment that these workers are going into. The risks should not be under-exaggerated to attract more applicants. Violence could ruin a very well-conceived project and shut it down. We would recommend caution when proceeding with a project that may be in danger due to being in a conflict zone.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Qatar
Delegate Name: Ann Blessman
School: Royal Oak High School

Throughout the world, humanitarian workers—or people who volunteer to assist in humanitarian crisis situations—are not safe and are constantly under the threat of being attacked. The attacks made toward these humanitarian workers in conflict zones have clearly become a problem which is begging for a solution. UN Security Council Resolution 1239 stated, “By other terms of the resolution, the Council emphasized that the humanitarian situation would continue to deteriorate in the absence of a political solution to the crisis…” The humanitarian situation is a problem all over the world, but especially in Qatar, where humanitarian workers are being attacked due to many different motives. In 2008, the AWSD determined the motive for these attacks “undetermined.” However, in Qatar, the reason for the attacks is believed to be due to the fact that many different groups of people do not agree on certain policies, and they wish to have all of the aid for themselves. Also, if a certain group of people is angry and doesn’t agree with another group, they may wish for the others not to receive any aid. The attacks are violent, angry and dangerous to the volunteers and must be stopped immediately.

In UN Security Council 1674, resolutions were made to reflect the commitment of the community of countries that are experiencing the attacks. Despite these resolutions, there are still direct targets being made to civilians and humanitarian workers. However, last year, UCQ signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Committee of Red Cross and Qatar Red Crescent that provided humanitarian programs for disaster and emergency relief in countries such as Qatar. Mr. Al-Bader spoke for Qatar in UN Security Council 5703 and stated, “In spite of these efforts, the world continues to witness an increase in the deliberate targeting of civilians, including humanitarian workers, by terrorist attacks.” Mr. Al Bader later stated in the same resolution, “We would like to emphasize that, on the theoretical level, the responsibility to protect civilians is an important humanitarian principle, for it embodies a noble humanitarian value: defending innocent people whose only fault is that they live in or near areas of conflict…” Qatar would like to see a resolution that is done peacefully and without violence.

In order to stop the humanitarian worker attacks in Qatar and all over the world, the attackers should be dealt with immediately. Weapons should not be given to the humanitarian workers to be used in defense or as a threat—we believe the results should come out of peace and tranquility.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Gurdit Suri
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Our society’s demand for international aid and help is consistently increasing exponentially. The WorldConcern Organization released figures last fall stating that from the past ten years demand for humanitarian aid has increased six-fold to crisis plagued areas. 3 times increased, has violence upon humanitarian aid workers as one study states by the Cultural and Human Rights Committee in 2009. Russia has contributed 208 million US dollars to humanitarian aid in areas such as Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Haiti, Ukraine, Japan, Congo, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and various other countries. Russia provides large forces of humanitarian workers through NGOs such as the Tolstoy foundation as well as many government sponsored aid programs. Given the increase of violence, Russia absolutely affirms the need for safety of those helping to save lives and create positive contributions to society through their service.

Humanitarian workers have been considered independent and impartial members of the international community, which has determined them as immune to intervention in any global conflict zones. Culturally, many societies no longer see this as a valid postulate especially given the targeting of individualized groups and peoples in conflict zones. Russia finds this an unacceptable resolve in conflicts zones and strongly affirms itself in a political bloc of democratic societies who are unrelenting in their goals to further protect humanitarian aid workers.

Russia is now creating regulations, after the death of a Russian humanitarian aid worker in Sudan, for its own humanitarian workers in its own country in order to assist in any conflict zone. We have created requirements for security detail, location authorization, as well as creating a person of interest list as to insure people who might be considered greater targets of violence such as organization leaders, to be provided with optimum protection. For NGOs to officially send humanitarian aid, we are requiring longer training requirements to insure proper experience and furthered initiative of safety precautions.

Russia realizes that humanitarian efforts must also be superbly funded; humanitarian efforts need to be affirmed as neutral to help remove political affiliation and help make aid an efficient process. Russia also feels that through the invention of a bill of rights for humanitarian aid workers, that international obligation and duties to aid workers can be clearly outlined and requirements for humanitarian aid to occur can be properly set into place. We need to clearly outline penalties for breaking this humanitarian aid bill of rights and realize that such penalties should be carried out with the fullest extent of the law. We must also place pressure on countries to assist in the prosecution of those who inflict harm to humanitarian workers through creating trade restrictions and unfortunately, reducing aid efforts within those specific regions. Russia also realizes that however demanding our goals may be, that the Security Council is the only body within the United Nations that can truly demand any type of action. Realizing that lives are potentially at stake from people who intend and cause no harm, Russia feels that in either coordination with the Security Council or joint action with the Security Council that resolution passed from both bodies can help to create lasting and effective changes. Russia also strongly believes that since it is a permanent member of the Security Council that it can help further the interests of humanitarian aid workers within that body more effectively in general consensus with the general assembly.

Realizing the need for protection for these workers and the need for strong resolutions and amendments to help qualm humanitarian worker violence, Russia hopes eventually through the action of DISEC that we can help create a means to an end for humanitarian violence in conflict zones.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Saudi Arabia
Delegate Name: Ashton Bosstick
School: Fishers High School

The United Nation humanitarian workers are being brutally attacked in conflict zones in many nations such as Bosnia and Herzegovina , Rwanda, and Afghanistan. The people of Saudi Arabia would like to state that without the protection of our humanitarian workers our resolutions are absolutely pointless, considering we are placing innocent civilians in harms way and not even helping our cause. We recognize that most of there outbreaks of violence our in the Middle East , First we shall provide protection for these workers while creating some sort of domestic stability for these humanitarians to work in. We must recognize the bombing of the UN compound in Baghdad in August 2003 because it was deprimental to the UN safety. As well as the murder of 17 staff from the French non-governmental organization (NGO) Action contre la Faim in Sri Lanka in 2006 as examples of the many attacks upon humanitatians. Humanitarian workers also face such security risks as rape, sexual assault, armed robbery, and harassment in seeking to assist people in need.

In the past we have tried to use armed forces but humanitarian, Conor Foley, stated “The use of armed force to deliver aid was tried in Somalia in 1993 and was one of the UN's greatest failures setting the scene for the debacles that followed in Rwanda and Bosnia and Herzegovina.” Foley also stated,”A couple of years ago a senior official in the UN mission to Afghanistan told me it was a point of basic principle to rely on the Afghan police, rather than private security guards, to protect their staff and premises. This was the only way, he believed, Afghanistan could ever have a peaceful future freed from the various armed militias that exercise de facto control over so much of the country.” Following Foley’s thought of improving individual police force in a nation instead of calling upon other nations armed forces creates a domestic improvement as well as protecting humanitarians.

The nation of Saudi Arabia would propose a long term solution by improving the legal inforcement in there conflict zones either within the nation or the use foregin officals. Secondly we must see PVOs, NGOs, or the Red Cross orgainzations to create some sort of aid and protect for all these workers The DISEC should make this issue there first priority due the endangerment of people trying to help the situation.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Serbia
Delegate Name: Preston Purdue
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Since the dawning of time, humans have been in conflict with each other. Also, other humans have looked on in pity, and, in times of great strife, sent help to the suffering. In dealing with conflict in the world, the UN has had many great effects in the ending results of conflicts. They have effectively changed history with their medical, military, and political aid. However, Serbia notes with alarm the frequency of which states and non-state actors attack peaceful workers in the conflicts of today’s world.

With this established, also keep in mind the wartime history of Serbia, and the fact that we were not the recipient of many humanitarian aid. However, in the regions surrounding Serbia, aid was sent to help in times of legitimate need. But occasionally this was interfered with because of the continuing conflict in the area, and workers were harmed. This was an especially big issue in Serbia, where a NATO intervention attempted to protect workers in other states from the raging violence prevalent in our country. But Serbia knows first hand the results of this supposed “humanitarian” intervention. Cities were leveled in the ‘protective’ airstrike, and our economy reduced to shambles. It is for this reason that Serbia urges the United Nations to take caution in international military intervention, even to protect Humanitarian Workers. We also urge the UN to take caution in deciding what circumstances prompt an actual humanitarian response, and what other situations could be resolved without the endangerment of workers or military intervention. If countries wish to have humanitarian aid to better their people, it is their duty to take responsibility for them. It is Serbia’s goal to have a request based system, so that if a needy country asks for help, and then help is deemed necessary, is granted to them by the UN. This way help is not forced upon non-needy countries, so humanitarian efforts are not hindered or hurt by rowdy forces. Serbia knows firsthand that foreign military intervention in the name of humanitarianism can often yield very inhumane results.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Sierra Leone
Delegate Name: Allie Cobb
School: Williamston High School

Although the nation of Sierra Leone recognizes accidental death as an unfortunate, yet realistic product of humanitarian aide in conflict zones, we have no tolerance for violence targeted towards aide workers.

Sierra Leone believes that a ride in violence towards humanitarian aide workers could be attributes to the rise of ethnocentricity, or negative judgment based on ones ethnicity, race, religion, or language. Civilians in many war-torn countries struggle with their emotions, and act out in humanitarian aide workers because they are an easy target.

As an African Nation, Sierra Leone see’s the threat of violence towards humanitarian aide in many of our neighboring countries.

Because Sierra Leone has recently undergone c civil war, we understand just how helpful humanitarian aide can be to one country but we know that as the risk of violence rises, the number of volunteers will drop significantly. The government of Sierra Leone is extremely thankful for the help it received during its time of need, and we believe that we owe humanitarian aide workers the right to be safe and neutral in conflict zones. Sierra Leone frowns upon rebel groups that use violence against these workers and believe that any government who supports rebel causes that act in violence towards humanitarian aide workers should be punished accordingly.

Overall, Sierra Leone clearly values the importance of humanitarian aide workers and believes that the entire globe will suffer if the UN can not find a safe and successful resolution in a timely manner.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Emma Stout
School: Royal Oak High School

In a world where the need for humanitarian workers is constantly growing, it is also becoming increasingly dangerous for them to do their work safely. It remains true that the places that are in the most need of humanitarian assistance are the places that are the most dangerous. The number of humanitarian workers in violent attacks has tripled in the last decade with more than 100 deaths per year according to a recent study done by the United Nations. South Africa provides many humanitarian workers to countries throughout Africa would like to be a part of the solution in protecting those who go out and support those in need. The areas we believe require the most help are where three-quarters of this violence occurred in only six countries: Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Chad, Iraq and Pakistan. With many of these deaths now being attributed to political reasons rather than by chance it is needed now more than ever to come up with a solution to protect these workers.

South Africa is a prominent member in the African Union and recognizes that many of the countries dealing with violence against humanitarian workers are member countries. Violence against humanitarian workers is a huge issue in Sudan and South Sudan where there have been the greatest numbers of incidents. There are issues here with the humanitarian workers being targeted for harassment, abduction and violence. There are similar issues in Somalia where humanitarian workers are also being targeted. It has become such a problem in Somalia that there are some places humanitarian workers are banned from going because it is too dangerous.

In the past what has protected humanitarian workers was defining their neutrality, impartiality and independence. Many attribute this new wave of violence to the breakdown of those core principles, with Non-Governmental Organizations losing their neutrality in the eyes of the people. One of the issues is that civilians are more and more becoming targets of war and so those who support them can no longer be viewed as neutral. A tactic that is now being used by NGOs is the “security triangle.” This triangle is formed with the ideas of acceptance, protection and deterrence. The idea of acceptance is to get the people in the area where the humanitarian workers are providing assistance to accept them and their help. Protection means having the right equipment be it walky-talkies, helmets or having protection policies in place such as proper training or even a curfew. The final leg of the triangle is deterrence. This signifies posing a counter threat by working with guards and coordinating with international forces there on peacekeeping missions.

South Africa would like to see more initiative taken by the United Nations in protecting humanitarian workers. It should be critical that organizations entering danger zones ensure that all of their personnel are properly trained and have the correct equipment needed. What goes along with this is that it is also made sure that all organizations are properly funded as well. We must reinforce that all humanitarian work is done impartially and neutrally keeping politics out of it as much as possible and simply providing for the people in need. In order to remain impartial humanitarian work should be kept separate from the use of force so to keep them safe armed personnel should be provided for their protection. One way of doing this is organizing humanitarian ventures with other peacekeeping groups to provide protection for the workers. While the main protection of humanitarian workers does fall upon individual nations all should abide by international law, the UN Charter and the laws of the host country. Another step is to encourage countries who are dealing with violence against humanitarian workers to investigate and prosecute those found guilty of this violence.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Sara Griffith
School: Mattawan High School

Humanitarian workers provide assistance for those struggling from natural disaster or crisis, and their purpose is to save lives, alleviate suffering and preserve human dignity. On average, from the years 2006-2008, 235 aid workers were killed, kidnapped or injured. Since 1997 there has been a significant rise in the number of victims. The attacks on these workers is mainly political, and the main purpose is to attack the aid organization as a whole.

Most violence directed toward aid workers takes place in a specific six countries: Somalia Sudan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Chad and Pakistan. Sudan, Afghanistan and Somalia record the most attacks on workers, and these incidents are more concentrated with less countries than ever before. Overall there has been a decline in the attacks from 2.7-2.4 per 10,000, but this is a very slight decline.

South Korea believes that the protection of humanitarian workers is essential. These workers are helping humans maintain basic needs and their right to live. We believe that protecting these workers that are serving those in areas of crisis across the world is our duty.

South Korea believes that new legislation should be enforced by the United Nations in order to prevent harm to these workers. Currently there is no protection for humanitarian aid organizations that would secure them from political groups that attack. Workers are reminded that there is no increased security for their measures in insecure environments. These locations are where humanitarian workers are needed the most, and South Korea is willing to support and protect these workers in any way.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Spain
Delegate Name: Elizabeth Butterfield
School: Fishers High School

Spain strongly believes that it is up to the Security Council of the United Nations to provide protection for our humanitarian workers, and those of other countries as well. As a nation that has been providing assistance to other countries since the 1980’s, the Kingdom of Spain values its humanitarian endeavors. Humanitarian space, the difficulty of effectively providing relief and support to suffering nations, has been a changing situation since the terrorist attacks on 9/11 (“Shrinking Humanitarian Space? Trends and Prospects on Security and Access”). It has become harder for us to gain access to populations in need of assistance, and our workers’ safety is being put at risk by people directly targeting attacks on humanitarians. Just since May of 2010, Spain has had attacks on humanitarian workers. A fleet of six Spanish ships were attacked by Israeli commandos; leaving many injured and 14 people dead (“Spanish EU presidency condemns Israel for attack on humanitarian aid fleet”). This attack was addressed by the president of Spain, but no true consequences were felt by Israel.

Since the 1980’s, Spain has been involved in humanitarian affairs. By 1988, humanitarian organization has been “in the hands of” the Spanish International Cooperation Agency (AECI) within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (“A critical view of Spanish humanitarian aid”). The Kingdom of Spain has played a major role in humanitarian affairs. The total humanitarian aid for the country was $649 million dollars, and the total aid was estimated to be $6.7 billion. The top two nations Spain supports are Colombia and Afghanistan. The Kingdom of Spain has also assisted and responded to the aftermath of hurricane Mitch in South America in 1998 ($180 million in donations to the NGOs were reached), and the Kosovo crisis of 1999. The Kingdom of Spain has also used its military to intervene in emergency assistance operations and has provided relief in cases of natural disaster. However, Spanish military involvement has yielded several problems. Many Spaniards oppose the use of military in instances of assistance. Also, the use of military has proven to be very costly and ineffective. One such example of this being a refugee camp built in Albania. It was almost $16,000 for each of the 2,250 refugees that were housed, and it ultimately shut down.

Without the use of our own military in relief efforts, the Kingdom of Spain would like to see the Security Council assemble its own military powers to assist. Also, the troops would be able to offer safeguarding for the humanitarian workers in various countries. Violent attacks on workers would be less likely to occur if the army protecting the workers was an international one. The Kingdom of Spain also believes that the Security Council should address foreign nations’ attacks on humanitarian workers, and consequences should be created.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Sri Lanka
Delegate Name: Taylor Westmoreland
School: Williamston High School

Acknowledging a painful history of internal conflict, Sri Lanka would like to begin by expressing remorse for past incidents of humanitarian aid workers injured or killed within our borders. We would like to ensure all nations present that the Sri Lankan government takes an active interest in all allegations, and is hopeful that internal violence can be ended. With this said, Sri Lanka believes that increased efforts by the United Nations to limit violence against humanitarian aid workers would infringe upon state’s rights to national sovereignty.

By allowing the United Nations to take a more active role in

investigating and addressing reported incidents, the efforts of state governments would be undermined and instability would increase. This has a tremendous potential to cause greater problems. The responsibility to protect humanitarian aid workers falls on the shoulders of the states to which aid is being contributed.

Regrettably, the harm of humanitarian aid workers is inevitable whenever workers are surrounded by active conflict but it is not the UN’s responsibility or honor to protect these individuals. The United Nations was designed to be a coalition of independent states with individualized laws, cultures, governments, and beliefs. The common thread between these nations was to be an interest incoming together to promote peace as a whole. Through this, the rights and responsibilities of the separate states were not to be abridged. Sri Lanka strongly urges all nations to keep this in mind as we work to determine a course of action for limiting violence to humanitarian aid workers. In accordance with the preservation of national sovereignty, this duty lies with the state itself.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Fatima Sheikh
School: Fishers High School

Protecting humanitarian rights in conflict zones,

Country: Switzerland

Delegate: Ms.

Switzerland has recalled an ambassador to Syria and condemns the violence that is being taken against the civilians in conflict regions there by the forces. Switzerland would like to give strong criticism to the state due to its incapability of upholding human rights. The uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a conflict between the protesters and regime security forces, is increasingly breaking into armed clashes that we worry will escalate beyond a point of no return. Innocent civilians are already becoming caught in the cross fires.

Switzerland appreciates the UN’s efforts to try to aid and conduct humanitarian efforts in the troubled country’s time of need and wants the council to ensure they continue doing so to ensure consistency. Although Switzerland is and plans to remain a neutral country in terms of war, it is willing to lend a hand to support fundamental rights and humanitarian efforts in conflict zones. Therefore, as the civil war continues in the Middle Eastern country, Switzerland, supports and encourages fundamental freedoms: the right to life, the ban on torture, the freedom of expression, freedom of assembly. Nearly more than 1800 civilians have been killed since mid-march since Syrian troops have begun firing on unarmed protestors. The federation strongly wants the circumstances to be investigated in order to identify exactly who is behind this and have them held accountable.

Strict precautions must be taken out on the field in order to protect the civilian lives as well as the people aiding them. Humanitarian efforts still be extended to all regions of this conflict and other like it. However, Switzerland appreciates that the Security Council has addressed the aspect of protecting civilian more systematically. Also though, the issue of children and women who have fallen victim in the conflict zones needs to be addressed. Children need effective, extra protection in order to prevent further violation and women must become more involved in peace building activities. The latter, the federation believes, will be vital in preventing gender based violence in these conflict regions.

Hopefully, the resolutions will establish effective global strategies in how to aid civilians in conflict regions.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Syria
Delegate Name: Debra Kue
School: Forest Hills Central High School

When established, the Geneva Convention of 1949 outlined non-combatant humanitarian worker rights and obligations, but the Convention was unable to send workers to afflicted areas if governments or occupying forces within the areas banned the relief agencies. The Médecins Sans Frontières was created in 1971 to ignore this restriction, by providing assistance to populations during the Biafra civil war despite the prohibitions of Nigerian government. However, the Geneva Convention did not require parties in conflict zones the safety of humanitarian workers or security escorts of non-combatants operating within the areas.

The basic key strategy within a conflict zone is aiming for acceptance by both the communities humanitarian workers are operating with and the government or occupying forces. If acceptance is pending or withdrawn, humanitarian workers will not be guaranteed safety at which the workers have no choice but to leave the area. Irregular forces who lack clear chains of authority can also contribute to the mistreatment of humanitarian workers as well. Oppositional groups in Syria have caused death and injury of many Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteer workers. On one account, a Red Crescent ambulance was struck by 31 bullets causing the death a humanitarian worker.

Very recently, the IRCT (International Rehabilitation Council for Torture), in October, has condemned many nations for the murders of over 45 humanitarian workers in Gatumba, Burundi and the eastern region of Congo. Growing insecurity of aid organizations and trauma from war has increased continuous acts of aggression within the region. The resounding conclusion is clear: the tug of war between State sovereignty and the obligation of other countries to maintain international peace and security continues to rage.

Humanitarian intervention is at once an immensely powerful and a terribly imprecise idea. No formal legal definition of it exists, but its fundamental premise is that outside powers have the right and, perhaps, under some circumstances, the duty to intervene to protect people in other countries who are being victimized, even if what is taking place is a conflict within a State. Posting humanitarian workers into conflict zones does not guarantee safety to any party residing within the area. Syria would like to notify the UN that in order for successful humanitarian protection, acceptance by both the communities and the government or occupying forces is key.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Thailand
Delegate Name: Xiaohong Tan
School: Fishers High School

Thailand strongly believes that the protection for humanitarian workers is important and believes the UN has not emphasized this point across the nations thoroughly.

Humanitarian workers are given legal protection by the UN, however the term “legal” does not have much effect if cases involving death of humanitarian workers are increasing over the years. The nation of Thailand have not been having problems with humanitarian workers, but rather give them all the protection our nation can give because Thailand is in needs of the help and products the humanitarian workers provide to our people who are in conflict zones. Due to the recent the flood, neighboring states such as Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, China, and New Zealand have been sending aid to our nation. It is unreal for the People of Thailand to attack humanitarian workers who are giving them the necessary supplies to survive. For example, Red Cross workers have passed out 122,000 family kits to people who have lost their homes during the disaster. The People of Thailand view the protection of humanitarian workers as an important issue because humanitarian workers are the people, who save others’ lives during times of crisis. The Nation of Thailand have always accepted the help of humanitarian workers and urges other nations to have full acceptance as well because it is ridiculous for a nation to not accept help when it needs to. Thailand believes that the protection of humanitarian workers in conflict zones need to be reinstate across the nations as they are valuable resources.

The country of Thailand does not have major conflicts with the humanitarian workers in the past therefore there is no previous background information on how Thailand has handled the problem. However, Thailand would strongly state that protection for humanitarian workers in necessary, and it has to be taken seriously in every nation. The people of Thailand accept the help from NGO because the government of Thailand cannot at once give full relief help when a disaster hits. Thailand believes that NGO has established its important role across the nations today because of the different natural disasters that had taken place recently, such as the earthquake in Japan and Turkey, flood in Thailand, etc. Humanitarian workers are the backbone of NGO, and Thailand will disgrace those countries that use violence against humanitarian workers in conflict zones. Also, humanitarian workers are given full legal rights which are laid out in the Geneva Convention of 1949 and the Protocol in 1977. UN’s Security Council had urged people to protect humanitarian workers and view the attackers as war crime. The people of Thailand support this point because humanitarian workers are protected by the UN and the nations where they belong.

Thailand believes that all nations need to come together to readdress the legal rights of humanitarian workers and form an organization that its main goal is to protect the safety of the workers. Staff should be given special trainings on how to defend themselves. Also, UN needs to break down groups that intentionally use violence on humanitarian workers if they notice such things in the beginning. Lastly, Thailand urges the nations to take this problem seriously because humanitarian workers are valuable.

####Work Cited####

Fernandez, Celine. “Foreign Aid Starts to Flow Into Thailand.” The Wall Street Journal. 27 October 2011. Print.

“Safety and Security of Humanitarian Workers.” Foreign Affair and International Trade Canada. 24 October 2011. Web. 6 November 2011.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Obinna Ugwuegbu
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Humanitarian aid is material or logistical assistance provided for humanitarian purposes, typically in response to humanitarian crises including natural disaster and man-made disaster. The main objective of humanitarian aid is to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity. Humanitarian workers help provide Humanitarian aid to places that need it. Humanitarian workers deserve the up most respect from the people of the country they are helping in. Humanitarian workers leave their homes and come to help provide humanitarian aid to those who need it and they do not deserve to get kidnapped, killed, or seriously injured. Turkey believes that the killing and kidnapping of humanitarian workers is wrong and this problem needs to be resolved.

Attacks on humanitarian workers are increasing at an alarming rate. Combatants are intentionally targeting humanitarian workers. In recent years, the United Nations, the Red Cross Movement and many humanitarian non-governmental organizations have experienced very dramatic events. There was the bombing of the UN compound in Baghdad in August 2003 and the murder of 17 staff from the French non-governmental organization (NGO) Action contre la Faim in Sri Lanka in 2006.

In May of 2010 Israeli commandos raided an aid convoy headed to Gaza. Eight Turkish citizens and a Turkish-American humanitarian worker were on board the vessel and the Israeli commandos shot all of them. Turkey is outraged by this incident and Israel has still not apologized. These innocent people just wanted to help those in need and for wanting to help, they get killed. Turkey believes this is unacceptable and at least wants Israel to take responsibility for its actions and apologize. But Israel shows no sign of remorse and dose not plan to take responsibility and apologize any time soon.

Turkey has been working to improve the training and the equipment made available for humanitarian workers. Turkey has also been trying to enhance the legal protections for humanitarian workers. Humanitarian workers are extremely generous and do not deserve this atrocities that occur to them.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Karigan Pliml
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Ukraine is alarmed by the unsafe conditions of humanitarian workers in areas of conflict, such as the lack of protection for the physical safety of workers and the lack of safely consumable food or water. As a member of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Executive Board and the Bureau of UN-Women, Ukraine is noting with deep concern and paying great importance to the fact that humanitarian workers and civilians account for a high number of casualties in conflict zones. Ukraine has aligned itself with the Statement of the European Union (EU) by H.E. Mr. Pedro Serrano, Acting Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations on 10 May 2011. Mr. Pedro Serrano stresses that “compliance with and respect for international humanitarian law needs to be reinforced, as it also contributes to securing and sustaining humanitarian space, and guaranteeing safe and unhindered access for humanitarian operations and humanitarian workers to populations in need”. This statement of the EU is in regard to the protection of civilians in armed conflict, which stresses the necessity of reinforcing international humanitarian law, sustaining humanitarian working space, and securing the safety of humanitarian workers and operations. The European Union has provided and raises awareness for International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The Council of the European Union, the European Parliament, and the European Commission adopted the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid. This was a declaration to prompt action in cases of need during times of conflict. It aims to do so by creating an understanding of humanitarian workers’ need for protection and making certain that the importance of coordination is understood as well.

Ukraine supports the three main steps the EU undertakes to ensure the protection of aid workers—emergency aid (money for basic needs), food aid, and aid for refugees—and further supports compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL). As stated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), IHL protects those in areas of conflict that do not participate in combat. It attempts to lessen the impact of war, protects those who do not fight (civilians, humanitarian workers, refugees, surrendered enemy, ect.), and restricts weapons and tactics of war that may harm the environment, or harm people with no justification behind the attack. Ukraine realizes that violations to IHL have threatened the safety of humanitarian workers and civilians and that the United Nations should devote its attention to reinforcing IHL and securing the safety of the workers. Improvements in communications that track aid at a government level of organization and improvements in the development of a standard protection protocol with a set date of compliance by all UN members can reaffirm general compliance with international humanitarian law. The United Nations should also take steps to explore alternate solutions to the current system of transportation of aid workers, as the majority of attacks and ambushes occur on the road. These solutions should incorporate guards or an armed convoy to protect workers traveling along the road.

Iceland, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Croatia, the Republic of Moldova, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Georgia has each aligned itself with the statement of the European Union at the Security Council debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

Sudan and Somalia are likely to oppose Ukraine on account of their current reluctance to accept humanitarian assistance.

Works Cited

ICRC. Advisory Service. International Humanitarian Law. What Is International Humanitarian Law? ICRC, Aug. 2004. Web.

Lysiak-Rudnytsky, Ivan. "Nationalism." Encyclopedia of Ukraine. Web.

Serrano, Pedro. "EU@UN – EU Statement – United Nations Security Council: Situation in Somalia." European Union @ United Nations. European Union, 14 Sept. 2011. Web.

Stoddard, Abby, Adele Harmer, and Victoria DiDomenico. "Providing Aid in Insecure Environments: Trends in Violence against Aid Workers and the Operational Response (2009 Update) – Resources – Overseas Development Institute (ODI)." Overseas Development Institute (ODI) – The UK's Leading Independent Think Tank on International Development and Humanitarian Issues. ODI, Apr. 2009. Web.

Ukraine. UN. Security Council. "Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict" By Yuriy Sergeyev,. United Nations, 10 May 2011. Web.

UNESCO. International Migration and Multicultural Policies Section. UNESCO Series of Country Reports on the Ratification of the UN Convention on Migrant. The Protection of the Rights of Migrants Workers in the Countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS and Perspectives of Joining the 1990 UN Convention. By Zayonchkovskaya. UNESCO, 1 July 2004. Web.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Jason Feuerstine
School: Fishers High School

The United Kingdom having sent many groups and individuals to work as humanitarians in other countries specifically those with dangerous combat zones wishes to do everything in the UN’s power to stop the attacks on said humanitarian workers and those of other countries.

In 2007-2008 25 United Nation sponsored humanitarian workers were killed in hotspots around the world (BBC). More than twice as many NGO workers were killed in those same spots and a few more (BBC). This drastic unrequited and justified stringof violence needs to stop. The United Kingdom is willing to do whatever it takes to reduce the number of deaths due to violence against humanitarian workers.

The United Kingdom offers two solutions to the proposed issue. The first being to use the threat of force to help protect the workers in their respective areas and the second being to withhold all humanitarian support to those nations by the UN. The countries would still be permitted to seek the assistance of NGO’s to help but the UN and other national governments should not sponsor any relief efforts to the areas failing to comply.

The first solution we have to offer is to use, and use the threat of, force to reduce the perpetrators willingness to attack innocent workers. We can use this solution in three ways: one on the specific groups of people committing the crime; two use it on the government to convince them to deal with and resolve the problem; and three on both to hopefully resolve the problem more quickly than either would alone.

The second solution we offer is to withhold all UN and UN nation-sponsored humanitarian aid from the countries in an effort to not only force the perpetrators to give up their cause realizing that they also will not receive aid, but to force the governments of the respective nations to crack down on these incidents in an effort to reacquire the aid they want. This plan would not force NGO’s to back out of their support of the nations, the nation will still be allowed to request help from NGO’s.

Despite the incidents being isolated to specific groups of typically non-government sponsored organizations it is still the government’s responsibility to control the people that reside within their country. The United Kingdom believes it is the government’s role, to protect the people that live or work or are visiting your country and to protect their rights. These people are taking the right of life away from people who do not deserve it.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Vincent Hayes
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

The 66th General Assembly of the UN states in the second committee section B: *Maintenance of International Peace and Security* part 62 that, “Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions.”

Although this resolution was made official just over 2 months ago, the UN has done next to nothing to help reduce and prevent the deaths of humanitarian workers, NGO’s specifically, in conflict zones. In 2008, 260 humanitarian workers were killed, kidnapped or seriously injured in violent attacks-making it the highest yearly toll ever. Also in 2008, the death toll of humanitarian workers from malicious acts alone surpassed the total death toll of UN peacekeeping soldiers. Only one NGO, the Red Cross, has seen a decrease in attacks on their humanitarian workers over the past few years. The sad part about these attacks is that the vast majority of them are politically motivated because the people native to these conflict zones believe that the international aid organizations that offer their assistance do so out of “Western geopolitical interests.” It is so overwhelmingly sad that the majority of humanitarian workers killed are NGO’s because the acronym NGO stands for “non-governmental organization,” making their political views irrelevant and there cause even more just.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has close mutual allies with the Somali Republic so the persistent acts of xenophobic-esque violence directed at humanitarian workers is alarming and must be immediately taken care of. While it is important that we maintain our support for Somalia to become a more diplomatic state, we must their government an ultimatum or deadline for trying to help us solve their problems. It appears in Somalia that every time the country takes a step forward, then end up taking two steps back. Even with help from multiple international aid groups the violent situation in Somalia does not appear to get visibly better. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela urges every member nation to contribute in some way, shape or form to the advancement and political makeover that Somalia so desperately needs.

If the UN shows us again that they are incapable of properly mediating a war-torn land, ala Rwanda, than it must be the moral obligation of every member nation to assist Somalia in unifying its people and eradicating the racial and political bias’ that scourge its land. If us member nations must call upon ourselves to initiate Somalia’s political transformation, we must convey that our intervention is not for political gain but for imminent the societal evolution of our fellow member nation. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will always offer its unconditional support to the allies of our allies, no matter how grave the ordeal.

Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: Yemen
Delegate Name: Shamus Carey
School: Royal Oak High School

Yemen is deeply concerned with the hardships many humanitarian workers are facing in areas where their only goal is to provide aid to those who need it. Many people who live in conflict zones are used to being attacked or harmed and therefore expect it from people whose only goal is to help them. These attacks on people whose only goal is to bring peace are truly terrible and Yemen strongly believes that protection needs to be provided for them.

Yemen believes that further coordination on the part of the Non-Governmental Organizations attempting to provide aid is necessary. NGOs need to make sure that they are all aware of the areas that are high-risk zones and take measure to avoid them. Also, while the open display of armed guards may be necessary to show that they are not vulnerable to attack, it should be kept at a minimum so as not to display a threat to the native peoples of the areas they are in, and thus avoid provoking attack. Yemen also believes that further measure should be taken to display the peaceful intentions of humanitarian groups so as not to pose any sort of threat to either side of the conflicts they are involved in.

Yemen believes that while the NGOs should take steps in order to ensure their own safety, measures also need to be put in place to prevent the people in conflict zones from attacking the humanitarian workers themselves. This could mean further security measures, more education for the native people about humanitarian workers and what it is they are doing, or even allowing the natives to work along side them, so that they can feel a sense of contribution and connection to the cause.