Topic: Protecting Civilians in Conflict Zones
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Delegate Name: Caroline Munson
School: Williamston High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Democratic Republic of the Congo position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights outlines the basic standards of human living and treatment. Its sole purpose is to protect basic human rights entitled to all people of every race, origin, color, sex, religion, or political affiliation. In conflict zones however, the basic human rights are often forgotten about or taken advantage of. The security of individual freedoms are not main priorities of rebel groups or warring governments. In fact, many times in war, opposing sides go after civilians to weaken their enemies. These human rights are stripped from them during a conflict they might not agree with. Possibly one of the most important articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the last one, states: “Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.” This, unfortunately, is often broken in times of conflict. People are kidnapped, sold as property, killed, raped, the list goes on. This sadly occurs everywhere, but the amount of this malicious activity greatly increases in regions of conflict. Which spurs a question, how do we protect our own people? The Democratic Republic of the Congo is not the first nor the last country to experience conflicts that have had extreme negative impacts on its citizens. The riots for independence in the 60’s, more recent tensions between Uganda, Rwanda and DRC including terrorist groups, and just in the past few years, the civil war in South Sudan. All these surrounding and internal strifes have put thousands of people in harm. Families on the front lines, women and children being raped in refugee camps seeking shelter, not to mention the stigma that comes with pursuing help; whether that be medical, mental, economic, etc. The stigma may come from the government, opposing side, or even cultural traditions. Especially in central Africa, men make the decisions for their families and have control over their wives and children. If the hurt speak out, they could be killed, shunned, or lose respect. Is there really a way to resolve all violations of basic human rights? DR Congo has passed laws to sentence perpetrators of human rights, but they are poorly enforced. There is no one law all countries could adopt, if all countries could agree on one thing, that would be strong, detailed and enforced enough to ensure human rights are not violated. It is only on an individual country basis that laws can be made that could come close to accomplishing security and other freedoms to every person. Even then, not every person can be saved. But with strong and concise laws that are passed specific to each countries’ needs, and enforced by those that will hold these laws in mind and not abuse it, can liberties of the people be ensured. DR Congo looks forward to debating this topic not with specific countries, but with the committee as a whole.
