Topic: Protecting Civilians in Conflict Zones
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Diego Zoll
School: Vicksburg High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Colombia position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
As the rise of guerrilla-style tactics in civilian populated areas has continued to increase, Colombia has relentlessly pushed measures aimed at stopping the major non-state actor, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and focused on aiding it’s citizens in recuperating and preventing further civilian casualties. Peace talks that began in 2012 have allowed Colombian civilians increased security and created a peaceful mediation between the Colombian government and former FARC members. A revised peace agreement was approved by the Colombian Congress in December 2016 that stripped FARC of their assets and fully defined the repercussions of the former member’s actions. Colombia firmly believes that these actions should serve as a basis for other nations to begin negotiations between their government and the hostile non-state actors that create these conflict zones.
The delegation of Colombia believes fully that peaceful negotiations between non-state actors and governments is the most effective route in protecting civilians in conflict zones. This being said, Colombia recognizes the need for civilian protection and aid during times of unfortunate conflict, and as such, strongly urges their fellow nations to allocate appropriate funding toward civilian relief programs in addition to preventative measures to protect governments from unnecessary conflict with malicious groups.
The United Nations main purpose is to maintain world peace and security. This ideal can be achieved if nations band together in passing resolutions addressing peaceful mediation between countries and non-state actors while also focusing on the demilitarization of current conflict zones. Colombia urges the United Nations to prioritize the well-being of its citizens above all else and consider the consequences if civilians continue being victims of warfare.
