Topic: Status of Defense Contractors and Non-National Combatants
Country: Guyana
Delegate Name: Chris Kurakazusampson
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Guyana position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
There is an issue on how to determine what to do with captured defense contractors and non-national combatants because the international laws pertaining to them are so vague. Much of the conflict has been over how these people are being used in the armed forces and if their activities are illegal or not. Guyana sympathizes the need for clearer statements on how to deal with defense contractors in order to prevent further arguments and disputes between countries.
Guyana understands the need to take action on what a legal and illegal action by defense contractors and non-national combatants are. This issue has a minute effect on Guyana because it currently is not in any large-scale conflicts involving these military contractors. The government has looked into cases that have come up in the past and has dealt with them appropriately. We do show concern over the use and treatment of the contractors because every one has the right to humain treatment.
Guyana supports the 1949 Geneva convention's lay out for how to deal with the problem. However, we do feel that a few ammendments could be made to specifie the status of contractors and non-national combatants. As a result we hope to clear up and misunderstandings of what they are to be classified as. This will help to bring peace to regions that are currently suffering from this problem. Also, we support any nation willing to help clear up this problem.
