Topic: Combating the Rise of Xenophobic Violence
Country: Gabon
Delegate Name: Cody Hoeffel
School: Royal Oak High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Gabon position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
Xenophobia has been an issue in the world for well over a century. The causes range from colonialism to a gap between economic classes. It is Gabon's belief that refugees, especially in Africa, are most effected by xenophobia. According to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action into the United Nations system it is the responsibility of the national governments to develop the legal framework to address the intolerance against foreigners. This is a problem however, as many refugees do not have the documentation to show that they are from a specific nation, leading them to be classified as illegal immigrants searching for work. Some refugees will integrate into society as some Congolese refugees have done in Gabon. However, these people are unfortunately exceptions to the rule. Gabon believes that the greatest barrier to the eradication of xenophobia is in the original governments of the refugees, where following the conflict some refugees are not allowed to return. It is here that the committee most remember operative clause 98 of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action into the United Nations System, which calls for governments to educate their citizens on the history, causes, and consequences of xenophobia and related intolerance. The proper implementation of such an education allows host governments and the home governments to attempt to reduce xenophobic violence. The governments, properly teaching their people on the issue of xenophobia will in turn be able to stress its own policy towards foreigners which according to operative clause 47 of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action into the United Nations System should be aligned with the international norm. In addressing this issue the nations will also reduce violence towards foreign aid workers inside their borders. Finally, under the operative clause of the Human Rights Council Resolution 1997/74 all nations should take measures to “provide assistance to and rehabilitation of victims of acts of… xenophobia and related intolerance;” this clause which is further specified under the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action into the United Nations System to include legal council where applicable, must be pushed by this committee to defend te rights of these refugees.
