Topic: Conflict Commodities
Country: Belgium
Delegate Name: Ellen Moeller
School: Cranbrook Kingswood
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Belgium position papers GLIMUN 2007 committees
The Kingdom of Belgium recognizes the problem of conflict commodities in developing nations, particularly in Africa. Resource-rich countries have continually been the focus of internal warfare and conflict. Belgium feels that the lack of strong implementation of laws and misappropriate placement of funding in these developing countries with regards to resources has amplified these issues. In addition, lack of assessment of officials has caused corruption to continue in areas undergoing reconstruction and peacekeeping processes.
Although not plagued by the difficulties of conflict commodities in our own country, as a part of the European Union (which contributes to many of the UN peace-keeping operations) Belgium feels that the situation of how to assess and properly administer commodities in these resource rich countries must be improved upon. We recognize and support Global Witness for their efforts to combat these issues and reaffirm the laws set down by the Kimberly Process regarding diamonds in West Africa. However, we agree that these laws must be strengthened, better implemented, and carefully tracked. Belgium also reaffirms Resolution 1643 adopted by the Security Council in December 2005, calling for the creation of a five-member group of experts to exchange and analyze information regarding certain conflict commodities as well as advise countries on how to improve conflicting situations regarding natural resources. When beginning the reconstruction process, Belgium feels that better assessment of officials is necessary so as to limit the corruption and ameliorate the administration. However, we are in agreement with Global Witness in that civility groups should be used although closely monitored.
Belgium feels that many advancements have been made in the last decade regarding how to cope with conflict resources in unstable countries. However, many of these laws and processes must be analyzed, strengthened, and closely monitored so as to mitigate the amount of corruption and misuse of funding and commodities. Belgium feels that since much has already been discussed, resolutions have been passed, and committees formed, it should be the goal of our assembly not to create any new additions but rather to strengthen those already in place.
