Topic: Controversial Cultural and Religious Practices
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Adam Kuzee
School: Grand Rapids City High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All South Korea position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
As the disparity between traditional and modern culture grows ever wider, certain cultural practices are viewed with increasing disapproval. Practices that were once accepted because of their traditional origins are now being reconsidered as outright human rights violations, tradition aside. Article 1 of the United Nations Charter states that the purpose of the United Nation is to respect “the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples” but also to promote “human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion”. These two motives can come into conflict when considering this issue, as it provides that all peoples have a right to establish their own statehood and systems of law, yet that all people are entitled to the same standard of rights and freedoms despite their religion. South Korea stands in full support of abolishing or reforming any and all practices violating international human and animal rights. It is the role of the United Nations to protect human rights regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or religion. This leaves room for no exemptions, including traditional practices. As has been observed with unsuccessful United Nations charters against female genital mutilation, the root of tradition behind many practices proves difficult to supplant. This is an essential consideration this Council faces when resolving this issue. South Korea believes that the resolution will need to not only enforce rulings through regional governments. It will also need to provide education on the human rights violations perpetrated by specific practices and develop reforms to allow for some traditions to be practiced without said violations.
